Pia Mailhot-Leichter is a creative partner, best selling author, certified coach, and founder. Her path has been anything but ordinary: a recovering nomad, she’s reported as a journalist in Sri Lanka, graduated summa cum laude from NYU, and worked as an award-winning creative director for some of the biggest brands in the world. Now, as the founder of Kollektiv Studio, she’s uniquely positioned to help people create their wild ventures.

Pia Mailhot-Leichter Vroom Vroom Veer Summary

Finding Joy in Creative Work

Jeffery and Pia discussed Pia's work as a fractional creative director and creative coach in Copenhagen, where she collaborates with "unconventional dreamers" to bring their visions to life. Pia emphasized the importance of finding joy and purpose in one's work, citing the finite nature of life and the opportunity to create each day anew. They agreed on the value of maintaining optimism and finding joy in life's journey, with Jeffery referencing Jack Cornfield's perspective on the duty to be joyful.

Pia's International Career Journey

Pia shared her background, including growing up in New York City and her extensive travel experiences across various countries. She discussed her education, including studying English at Hunter College and pursuing a master's in international relations at NYU. Pia described her career path, which included working as a journalist in Sri Lanka and later doing communications work for the UNDP and an NGO called Plan International.

Overcoming Adversity for Academic Success

Pia shared her personal journey, including being kicked out of her house at 17 and struggling financially while attending college. Despite these challenges, she worked hard to achieve academic success, earning multiple cum laude degrees. After completing her master's, Pia took a contract role at the United Nations Development Program in New York City, though the salary was not sufficient to cover her living expenses.

Cross-Cultural Work Experiences Discussed

Jeffery and Pia discussed their experiences working in Bahrain and Qatar. Pia shared her disappointment at having to sell ad space for an economic documentary in Bahrain instead of pursuing her original goal of making a positive impact through transitional justice work. She realized later that the experience taught her valuable skills in sales and confidence in pitching to high-level executives. Jeffery, who served in the military, noted that frequent relocations and job changes helped him develop problem-solving skills, an attribute that was appreciated by his bosses.

Embracing Change and Personal Growth

Pia and Jeffery discussed the challenges and opportunities that come with change and new experiences. Pia shared her experience of choosing to stay in Copenhagen after a divorce, rather than moving to Paris, after her therapist encouraged her to consider developing a deeper relationship with herself in that place. They explored how moving can sometimes be a way to avoid dealing with personal issues, comparing it to the temporary nature of military assignments. The conversation concluded with Pia emphasizing the importance of making conscious choices about moving, rather than acting on impulse, as a way to gain empowerment and freedom.

Life Changes and Lifestyle Reimagining

Jeffery shared his experience of moving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas after 13 years, driven by a desire for change and the appeal of lower living costs. Pia discussed her own considerations for reimagining her life, particularly given her family commitments, and explored the possibility of designing a lifestyle that balances current and future desires. They both reflected on the importance of making conscious choices and the uncertainty of knowing where they might eventually settle, with Jeffery mentioning the potential of using his Vegas home as a base while exploring other locations temporarily.

Japan Experiences and Climate Adaptations

Ralph Brewer is the founder of Help For Men and creator of Dad Starting Over, two influential platforms that support men navigating divorce, sexless marriages, and modern relationship struggles. He has authored four books—including his best selling, The Dead Bedroom Fix—and is known for combining straight talk with practical guidance to help men rebuild confidence, reclaim masculinity, and lead from a place of clarity and purpose.

Through coaching, online courses, and the global HFM Brotherhood community, Ralph equips men to stop waiting for validation and start taking ownership. His work has been featured in Forbes, NewsNation, and New York Magazine, and his approach is trusted by thousands of men around the world. He speaks directly to men who’ve “done everything right” yet feel lost—and gives them the tools to find their footing again.

Ralph Brewer Vroom Vroom Veer Summary

Global Reach and Cultural Differences

Ralph discussed a special offer for Jeffery's followers at helpformen.com, including a freebie and discounts on coaching and group membership. He explained the organization's global reach, with the US as the primary market and Australia as the second-largest. They briefly touched on cultural differences in men's willingness to seek help, with Ralph noting that Spanish and Australian men tend to be more open compared to British and German men.

Baldness Experiences and Embraces

Ralph and Jeffery discussed their experiences with baldness and hair loss. Ralph shared a story about his daughter mistaking an egg for him at a restaurant. They exchanged anecdotes about their hair loss experiences and how they've embraced being bald. Jeffery mentioned his military deployment and how he learned to cut his own hair during that time. They both agreed that being bald is easier and more practical than having hair.

Rural Indiana Childhood Experiences

Ralph shared his childhood experiences growing up in rural Indiana, where he spent most of his time after moving from Spain at age three. His mother, who was learning English and driving, and his American military father, who was deployed during the Iraq War, made him stand out in his small town. Ralph discussed his experiences with racism and prejudice, particularly directed at his mother due to her Spanish and Middle Eastern appearance. He also mentioned his fondness for Italy, its culture, and lifestyle, contrasting it with the work-hard-play-hard attitude of the United States.

Bilingual Childhood and Family Roots

Ralph shared his personal background, discussing his childhood experiences growing up in a bilingual household where Spanish was spoken secretly by his parents. He described his father's difficult family situation and how his father's best friend's family became like an extended family to him, providing stability and support. Ralph also explained his mother's challenging upbringing in post-civil war Spain under Franco's regime, which left her to care for seven children after her father's disappearance.

Discovering Infidelity and Divorce Journey

Ralph shared his personal story of discovering his ex-wife's extramarital affair while on vacation, which led to a difficult divorce process. He described how he initially confronted her about suspicious Facebook messages, only to be met with denial and tears during their single counseling session. Despite his ex-wife's attempts to convince the counselor that nothing was happening, Ralph's suspicions persisted, leading him to conduct his own investigation using technology. The experience left him more confused than anything, but ultimately led to the realization that he needed to pursue a divorce.

Divorce and Co-Parenting Challenges

Ralph shared his experience of a sudden divorce after his wife had a three-month affair, which he described as the final straw in a series of family-related issues. He emphasized that while the affair was the catalyst,

Jason Parker, RICP, is the best-selling author of Sound Retirement Planning and the host of Sound Retirement Radio, a popular podcast that is also broadcast on 820am The Word in Seattle.  He has appeared as a regular guest on ABC, FOX, & NBC.  He is the inventor of retirementbudgetcalculator.com, which is software as a service to help people create an inflation-adjusted spending plan for retirement.  He has earned the advanced retirement designation of a Retirement Income Certified Professional.  

At a young age, Jason had an interest in personal finance and was a bit obsessive about money.  At 12 years old he would collect dollars from his lawn mowing business and he would bring the money home and wash it in the sink and blow it dry straight before depositing it in the bank.  In his 20s, he met his mentor a man named Dean who hired him and helped him get his official start as a financial adviser and Jason hasn't looked back.  He developed a niche for helping people prepare for a transition into retirement with a greater sense of clarity, confidence, and freedom. 

Jason Parker Vroom Veer Stories

Jason went back to the bank to make a withdrawal and he was surprised to find that they gave him dirty money; he wanted his clean dollars back

Jeff uses credit cards and pays them off each month; mostly for convenience and for points; Jason pointed out that the folks that are paying 21% per month on their balance are paying for those points; food for thought

Jason asked his Dad for advice; which led him to his mentor that set him up for success; those key connections really steer the vrooming and veering in your life

Jason's nerd behavior led him to wrap cassette tapes in paper towel and put them in plastic bags; Jeff was a "look at me" kind of kid--dying for attention of any kind

Jason was an atheist and an agnostic; then when he was broke; not making enough money to provide for his family on Christmas, he prayed to Jesus and his life changed over night

How to practice personal peace and create your own spiritual path through Jesus or some personal brand of faith

When it comes to retirement planning the money part is just a math problem; the spiritual question of how to find purpose and contribute is the more difficult question

Website mentioned in show on Wait but Why: Religion for the Nonreligious

Connections

Website

Retirement Budget Calculator

Marty McDonald is the Co-Founder and CEO at Bad Rhino Inc., a full-service social media marketing agency based in West Chester, Pa.  Marty used social media strategies and internet marketing strategies to actively build online marketing businesses for 14 years.  He quickly realized the power of social media in recruitment marketing and small business.   Since 2003, Marty has consulted with small businesses and startups to help them succeed online.

Bad Rhino is a full-service social media marketing and digital agency that was founded in 2011.   Today, services clients locally, nationally, and globally.  One of the reasons that Bad Rhino has grown to be so successful so quickly is due to their ability to develop truly unique and highly customized strategies that create incredible exposure for their clients’ businesses.

Their full-service approach means they not only create these amazing strategies and plans, but they also implement them and manage them day to day, including delivering messages to their customers.Bad Rhino won top agency award in 2016 by the research firm Clutch. Bad Rhino has clients in specialty food, craft beer, restaurant, golf, insurance, staffing, apparel, fitness, nonprofit, Fortune 500, and major league baseball players as well as several other small businesses.

Marty McDonald Vroom Veer Stories

A quite kid (sometimes loud) running outside all dayHigh School needed a lot of time to himself; avoided drama at all costHacked College; focused on doing well on important subjects; D equals DiplomaWorked several internships while still in college to stack up loads of work experienceWorked in HR learning, payroll, benefits--got burned doing payrollChanged his focus to recruiting and talent acquisitionGreat story about how their Company got the name "Bad Rhino"

Marty McDonald Links

Bad Rhino Inc.

Stefani Reinold is a board certified psychiatrist, maternal mental health expert, and Founder of Not the Typical Mom -- a blog and podcast about the not so typical, but all too common issues of motherhood. She helps high achieving moms escape the stereotypes, find their hearts, and embrace who they really are so that they can kill it in life, love and business.

Stefani Reinold Vroom Veer Stories

In Vroom Vroom mode, always wanted to be a Doctor of the M.D. variety since forever

Got into a pre-med program on scholarship...and then did NOT get accepted into Med school...Yokes Scoob!

World fell apart--what am I going to do know?  What do I do with a Bachelors Degree in Biology?

Found the perfect job!  Spend a year working as a project manager working on fund raising; job was specifically for someone working to get into med school

While in medical school, started looking at the online business space and the lives of Doctors; the life of a M.D. was not as advertised

Looking for a specialty that would allow her create a business and get some work/life balance; landed on Psychiatry...which is a veer moment

During her first year of residency, endured a mountain of stress--Husband is an Army officer in a Command position; she moved away from family; she's in a very tough school program; on top of Postpartum Depression

She finally had to reach out to get help herself in the form of mental health treatment; which, at the time felt shameful.  She has since learned that was misplaced shame

The Holmes-Rahe Stress Invento

Stefani Reinold Connections

Website

Social Media Links:

www.twitter.com/stefanireinold

www.instagram.com/stefanireinoldmd

Tim Packer is a celebrated Canadian artist and former police detective who walked away from a stable career to chase a lifelong dream. He’s since built a thriving, multi-million dollar art business—selling originals, self publishing prints, and running a top-tier online art academy that’s helped thousands of artists grow.

Through the Tim Packer Art Academy and his upcoming book You Can Sell Your Art, Tim teaches artists how to master both the creative and business sides of their craft. He’s passionate about demystifying success in the art world—breaking down what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to stop believing the myth that “you either have talent or you don’t.” From mindset to marketing, from composition to pricing, Tim is on a mission to help artists finally make a living doing what they love.

Tim Packer Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

Artists' Path to Financial Independence

Tim Packer, an artist and author, discussed his new book "You Can Sell Your Art," which provides a step-by-step guide for artists to make a living from their work. He expressed excitement about the book's release and the success stories of his students who have achieved financial independence through their art. Tim also shared his transition from being an artist to helping others achieve their artistic dreams, highlighting his commitment to giving back to the community.

Childhood Bullying Experiences and Solutions

Tim and Jeffery discussed their experiences with bullying during their childhood. Tim shared that he was bullied in high school due to being skipped a year and being younger than his peers, but learned to stand up for himself. Jeffery recounted a similar experience in elementary school, where he fought back against bullies and put an end to the bullying. They both agreed that standing up to bullies was an effective way to stop the harassment.

Journey From Vet to Designer

Tim shared his journey from initially wanting to become a veterinarian to discovering his passion for art. Despite his parents' initial skepticism, he pursued a career in graphic design after switching from a science-focused path in high school. Tim's college years were marked by a shift from academic focus to social engagement, which he attributed to his newfound maturity and physical presence. He noted that while he did well in college, he did not apply himself as rigorously as he had in high school, leading to entry-level jobs after graduation.

Early Graphics and Career Transitions

Tim and Jeffery discussed their experiences with early computer graphics and design tools, with Tim recalling his manual cut-and-paste methods before computers and Jeffery sharing his story of winning a computer graphics competition in college. Tim then shared how he transitioned from a career in design to law enforcement after being inspired by his uncle's suggestion in 1982, ultimately deciding to pursue a career in policing after being convinced it would be a good fit for his temperament.

From Police to Passionate Artist

Tim shared his career journey, starting as a police officer in 1982 and realizing his passion for art during his service. He excelled in police training and rose to the rank of sergeant and detective but found his true calling in art, which he pursued seriously after a tragic event involving a friend. Tim emphasized the importance of the growth mindset and the realization that talent can be developed, leading him to focus on his artistic skills after retirement.

Art Rediscovery Through Hard Work

Tim shared his personal journey of rediscovering his passion for art after a period of neglect, inspired by Harley Brown's belief that talent is a myth and success in art is primarily about hard work and skill development. He decided to live as if he believed in this concept for a year, researching and committing to painting three times a week while focusing on improving his weaknesses.

Andy Kushner entered show business on his own terms at 15.  He started what became a very successful cover band in Tampa Fl called Rhythm, performing to literally over 100,000 people during his teenage years.

After a 16 year corporate career, almost 20 years ago, he went full-time in the music business with Andy Kushner Entertainment Design custom crafting over-the-top experiences for weddings, corporate events and gala fundraisers utilizing the powerful and emotional impact of live music featuring celebrity acts and his own company-formed and managed bands SoundConnection, Rhythm6, Marquise, SoundNationand the PopCulture Strings.

Andy and his company have received practically every event industry award possible, including: Top 25 Trendsetter, by Modern Bride along with Colin Cowie, Essie and Sylvia Weinstock Best Entertainment Producer Award, by International Special Events Society, and International Entertainer of the Year Spotlight Awards, by Event Solutions Magazine.

Andy is now taking the ever-competitive podcast industry by storm with two shows, The Wedding Biz with event industry celebrities and Extraordinary Ordinary People in which he uncovers the extraordinary in ordinary people with deep and meaningful engaging conversation.

Andy Kushner Vroom Veer Stories

Discovered music at age 6 and fell in love; music practice was never a chore

Started a cover band at age 15 and worked paid gigs through his teens

Studied Business in college while working on his music on the side

Worked in Corporate selling computer/printer supplies; avoided the big promotions

Finally transitioned to full time music business starting with weddings

Transformed what people think of a "Wedding Band"; raised the bar on talent and showmanship

Established the Extraordinary Ordinary People podcast to talk with ordinary people with an inspiring life path

Launched the Wedding Biz Podcast to help brides, grooms and pros make more meaningful events

Andy Kushner Links

Extraordinary Ordinary People Podcast

The Wedding Biz Podcast

AndyKushner.com

Facebook

Twitter

Pia Silva is a partner and brand strategist at Worstofall Design where they build "Badass Brands without the BS" for 1-3 person service businesses in 1-3 day intensives. Pia is also a speaker, Forbes contributor & author of Badass Your Brand.

Pia Silva Vroom Veer Stories

Went from $40k in debt to $500k in sales in 12 months

Why letting go of employees felt like failure at first; then felt like relief

How does someone build a brand that stands out from the competition?

Key questions to ask clients; what do you hate about your industry?

How a badass brand filters all the shitty clients; while attracting perfect clients

How to increase your rates to improve your quality of life

Liberal use of saying no to clients; we don't work with product-based business or startups.

Pia Silva Links

Worst of all Design

Badass your Brand

Regan Caruthers: Regan’s path was informed by her early schooling where she meditated daily, practiced Tai Chi, and learned about the power of Divine Love and conscious thought. But she would reject these teachings as she sought to fit in and find social acceptance. Quickly rising through the ranks, Regan had a successful career as a Silicon Valley corporate executive in the educational software industry. But corporate ascension, an extra-marital affair, and a tumultuous first marriage were mere reflections of her brokenness and need for deep healing. Once she consciously committed to practicing what she had learned so young, her life began to change.

Regan recently moved back to Missouri from Santa Cruz, CA. She’s the founder of Aset Yoga Center and dedicates her life to teaching and helping her clients achieve a more intimate and disciplined inner life. Her compassionate approach creates safe spaces for transformation and wellness, through one-on-one coaching, yoga sessions, and her Ready to Awaken courses. She conducts yoga classes for her community as an act of service at no charge

Above all, Regan cherishes her roles as a devoted wife to Jim and a loving mother to her sons, Connor and Ian.

Regan Caruthers Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary

Regan and Jeffrey Share Experiences

In the meeting, Regan and Jeffrey discussed their past experiences and shared stories. Regan, a yoga teacher, talked about her excitement for the spring weather and her property coming alive. She also mentioned her book, Tragic Magic, and her interest in getting the word out about it. Jeffrey, on the other hand, shared his experience of being on a school team in high school and his involvement in a computer-aided graphics competition. They also discussed their respective locations, with Regan living in a beautiful area and Jeffrey mentioning the weather in Vegas. The conversation ended with Jeffrey expressing his excitement for the upcoming conversation about Regan's life and business.

Service, Discipline, and Self-Care

Regan and Jeffery discuss the importance of service, discipline, and self-care in their lives. Regan teaches yoga to seniors as an act of service, while Jeffery emphasizes the value of effort in maintaining health. They both agree on the significance of discipline in personal growth, with Regan stressing its importance over mere motivation. The conversation concludes with a discussion on overcoming depression through physical activities and practicing gratitude, even in difficult times.

Nature's Impact on Well-Being and Friendship

Jeffery and Regan discussed their morning meditation experiences and the impact of nature on their well-being. They shared their fondness for the desert's unique scents and bird songs, as well as the grounding effect of walking barefoot in their respective natural environments. Regan expressed her love for her childhood, despite its challenges, and highlighted the positive influence of her grade school, which taught meditation and other life skills from a young age. They also reminisced about their long-standing friendships and the importance of maintaining connections from their past.

Regan's Experiences With Dark Energy

Regan shared her personal experiences of encountering dark energy and demonic entities from a young age. She described how she commanded them to stop and how this led to a change in her life and spiritual path. Regan also discussed her corporate career and how her awakening affected her work and personal life. She emphasized the importance of radiating love towards the demonic visitors to stop their visits. Regan also criticized popular spiritual teachers for not addressing the dark side and their own shadows.

Regan's Personal Journey and Spiritual Awakening

In the meeting, Regan shared their personal journey, discussing their challenging home life and how it influenced their decisions. They mentioned their academic achievements and how they sought to...

Bruce Schutter returns for his third show to catch up on what's new with the Mental Health Warrior Program.

After struggling with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorder and PTSD for over 20+ years, I reached a breaking point where I attempted suicide. But with a second chance at life, I set out to find an answer to my life’s challenges. I discovered that Mental Health is the key to triumphing over any challenge in life!

Armed with this knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program, a new self-help approach for triumphing over life’s challenges and building the life you really want!

At the core of the Mental Health Warrior Program lies the principle of self-empowerment. With practical solutions centered on lifestyle and mindset changes, the program empowers you to respond, not react, to life's challenges, by tapping into your inner strength and resilience.

Bruce Schutter (3) Vroom Vroom Veer Summary

Vroom Vroom Veer Podcast Interview

Jeffery and Bruce discuss their upcoming third interview together on the Vroom Vroom Veer podcast. They agree to have a natural conversation, with Jeffery mentioning he will bring up some personal developments without prior preparation. Bruce records a new introduction for the show, emphasizing his role as a Mental Health Warrior. They briefly discuss their experiences with seasonal allergies before starting the official recording.

Mental Health Warrior Program Discussion

Bruce shared his personal struggles with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, alcoholism, anxiety, and PTSD, and how he found a new self-help approach called the Mental Health Warrior Program. This program focuses on putting the power back in one's hands, managing challenges, and embracing emotions. Bruce emphasized the importance of a positive approach to mental health and creating a safe space for open conversation. He also mentioned a recent presentation at a college in Pennsylvania, which was not about making money but about spreading the word about mental health.

Sandbag Workouts for Mental Health

Bruce discusses his involvement with Shippensburg University, where he conducts sandbag workouts for mental and physical health. He explains that these workouts are done outdoors using a single piece of equipment, allowing for engagement with people and providing full-body exercise. Bruce and his team participate in the university's health and wellness fair, helping students with their physical and mental health challenges. He emphasizes how these activities were impossible for him in the past, and now serve as proof of his progress in managing his bipolar disorder.

Mind Fuel: Food and Mental Health

Bruce and Jeffery discussed the concept of "Mind Fuel," a book that focuses on the connection between food and mental health. The book outlines three food rules: low carb, no sugar, and minimally processed foods. It also provides detailed information on specific foods, their mental health benefits, and creative ways to incorporate them into one's diet. The book aims to help readers maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve their mental well-being.

Meditation, Diet, and Cold Water Benefits

Jeffery discusses his experience with a meditation app and Tim Ferriss's book "The 4-Hour Body," focusing on the "30 and 30" concept (30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking) and the slow carb diet. He explains the diet's principles, including avoiding white carbs, eating specific proteins and beans, and having a weekly cheat day. Jeffery and Bruce also discuss the benefits of cold water exposure and reducing sugar intake for overall health and mental well-being. They agree that these approaches, along with the 80-20 rule, can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health.

Mental Health Awareness Through Characters

Bruce discusses the blog articles they write daily to introduce mental health concepts using popular characters like Winnie the Pooh an...