Shows
Escape 9 to 5How to Speak Like Yourself Under Pressure — The Skill That Changed His LifeWhen I met Michael Gendler at the Interesting People event this summer, I didn’t even see him teach. But in a casual conversation between sessions, he told me the story of how he froze mid-sentence in a meeting years ago — and how that moment of fear became the doorway into his life’s work.Michael is the co-founder of Ultraspeaking, and in this episode he opens up about:✨ Showing up for 100 Thursdays✨ Practicing courage long before mastery✨ What it means to speak with aliveness✨ How to unlock the voice you alre...
2025-12-071h 22Escape 9 to 5How Johnny Hilbrant Became the Viral ‘PE Guy’ - 7k to 200k in 6 MonthsJohnny Hilbrant didn’t plan to become The PE Guy.A SoulCycle instructor by day, he turned one awkward wedding conversation about money and status into a viral character followed by nearly 200 thousand people.In this episode, Lydia and Johnny talk about turning cringe moments into creativity, using humor to heal after the loss of his twin sister, and saying yes to what feels right—without quitting the life that pays your bills.You’ll hear:• The real story behind “Absolutely Printing!”• How a viral character can stay grounded in real life• Why sto...
2025-11-0158 minEscape 9 to 5Bootstrapped to Millions:How Ania Wysocka built Rootd as a Solo FounderAn app born from a panic attack that now calms millions. In this conversation, Ania Wysocka shares how she bootstrapped Rootd, kept her values (not someone else’s rat race), and why she wants people to graduate from the app back to their lives. We also get real on conviction, those rooms where builders lift you up, and tiny drills you can try this week.You’ll learn:• panic → OK tools that help in the moment• bootstrapping an impact product without losing your values• female-founder real talk (bias, confidence, and finding your rooms)• the “graduate from the app” philosophy...
2025-10-0454 minEscape 9 to 5"See you later 9 to 5" From Oracle to Write of Passage — Will Mannon’s Act TwoThis is one of the best escape stories you’ll ever hear.Will Mannon walked away from Oracle after realizing he couldn’t find meaning in a 40-billion-dollar company. A single cold email to David Perell opened the door to co-founding *Write of Passage*. In this episode, he shares his escape story, the “secret sauce” of great outreach, and why finding your inner fire can change everything.In this episode, Will shares:- ✉️ The secret sauce of his cold email that changed everything- 💼 What it feels like to walk away from corporate- 🕰️ The joy *a...
2025-09-141h 10Escape 9 to 5[BONUS] What I Learned from 25 People Who Left the 9-to-5ESCAPE isn’t quitting overnight—it’s designing your life.After 25 conversations with people who left the default path, I distilled six lessons I wish I’d known at 26. I call it ESCAPE: • E — Experiment early & often • S — Step into fear • C — Create your own table • A — Assemble your tribe • P — Pair action with rhythm • E — Energy attracts energyChapters00:00 Intro00:58 E — Experiment early & often02:12 S — Step into fear05:56 C — Create your own table08:25 A — Assemble your tribe10:51 P — Pair action with rhythm12:46 E — Energy attracts energyMy tools & resources • Escape 9‑to‑5 Quiz (30s) → https://tally.so/r/nG7ZbQ • I record with Riverside → https...
2025-09-0116 minEscape 9 to 5#26 - Barista to Billionaire: Andrew Wilkinson on Tiny, ADHD & Raising Money: When to Stop ChasingI loved this one. Andrew Wilkinson (co-founder of Tiny and author of Never Enough) and I ended up covering so much—business and life, habits and mental models. We talk about “enough,” when to raise VC vs. bootstrapping, his recent ADHD discovery and how it became a founder superpower, finding the right partner, how he uses AI day-to-day, and legacy. It’s easy to see why Tiny runs the way it does—long-term, buy-and-hold; people often describe it as the “Berkshire Hathaway of the internet.”Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escape9to5_pod...
2025-08-241h 08Escape 9 to 5#25 How Tiny Experiments Beat Burnout | Anne-Laure Le CunffAnne-Laure Le Cunff thought she’d landed her dream job at Google—until a sudden health scare forced her to rethink everything. In this episode of **Escape 9 to 5**, the neuroscientist-turned-founder of **Ness Labs** explains:- Why burnout can hit people who *love* their jobs- How “Tiny Experiments” and her **PACT** framework turn uncertainty into growth- The power of Kairos moments (wait till you hear the cacao story ☕🌞)- Practical tips for designing a life driven by curiosity—not corporate calendarsFollow Anne-Laure: https://nesslabs.com/*🧭 Take the “Escape 9 to 5” Quiz*Wondering if *you* should leave the default path?Take my free 30second quiz to...
2025-08-0440 minEscape 9 to 5#24 How to Become a Master Storyteller: How to Pitch Ideas, Use AI & Daily Story Habits with Matthew DicksMatthew Dicks returns to show us how far we’ve come—and how far storytelling can still take us. In this intimate chat, he shares:A real-time founder pitch exerciseHow to use AI (ChatGPT!) without losing your voiceThe Homework for Life habit—now an app!Tips on asking better questionsA playful Lightning RoundWhen we recorded: I was struck by how different—and deeper—this conversation felt compared to last year. It reminded me that the Escape 9 to 5 journey is...
2025-07-1258 minEscape 9 to 5#23 Brian Wong: Escaping Expectations, Burnout & the 9 to 5 Trap ($32M Raised at 19)What if the success you dreamed of… wasn’t the life you actually wanted?At just 19, Brian Wong raised $32M and was flying private while his friends were still in college. But behind the headlines was a deeper story—about burnout, traditional expectations, and the real meaning of freedom.In this episode, Brian shares how he broke free from the script, what first-time founders often get wrong, and why starting your own company might actually be the *real* job security.🎙️ We talk about:• Growing up with traditional Asian parents• Founding a startup at 19• Burnout and rediscovering bal...
2025-06-0750 minEscape 9 to 5#22 Whatever Scares You—Go DO It | Derek Sivers on Reinventing YourselfDerek Sivers has lived many lives: musician, startup founder, TED speaker, minimalist nomad, and author of beloved books like Hell Yeah or No and Anything You Want.In this conversation, we talk about:– How to accumulate evidence for the life you want– Tiny experiments that shape your identity– Cities of the future, from China to South Korea– Solopreneurship, uncertainty, and doing what scares youWe also talk about creative reinvention, raising children, and why retirement isn’t the end—it’s just another p...
2025-05-181h 35Escape 9 to 5#21 - You Don’t Find Your Dream Job — You Design It | Bob Moesta, Co-Author of Job MovesWhat if your next career move isn’t about finding the perfect job... but hiring the right one?In this episode, Bob Moesta — innovation legend, author of Demand-Side Sales and Learning to Build, and co-creator of the Jobs-To-Be-Done framework — joins Escape 9 to 5 to talk about struggling moments, career redesign, and why retirement isn’t the end — it’s just another prototype.🎧 We dive into:How to spot your “super ability”Why people leave jobs they once lovedWhat makes people truly ready to change careersBob’s unexpected burst of p...
2025-05-031h 06Escape 9 to 5#20 How to be Indistractable | Nir Eyal on Distraction, Focus & Reclaiming Your Time🎙 The Brain Only Wants One Thing…Why we get distracted—and how to take our focus back.In this episode of Escape 9 to 5, I sit down with Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Indistractable and Hooked, to talk about the psychology of distraction, parenting in the digital age, and why time management is really pain management.🌍 Connect with Nir: https://www.nirandfar.com🛠 Tools & Takeaways from Indistractable →https://www.nirandfar.com/indistractableWe cover:How your boss might be breaking your brain (literall...
2025-04-201h 01Escape 9 to 5How to Turn Setbacks into Your Greatest Breakthrough | Amy ShoenthalEver felt completely derailed by a setback, only to later realize it was exactly what you needed for your next big breakthrough? 🌟In this inspiring episode of Escape 9 to 5, Lydia sits down with Amy Shoenthal—journalist, author, and expert on turning life's toughest moments into powerful turning points. Amy reveals the secrets behind her book, The Setback Cycle, guiding you through practical steps to reframe challenges, recognize hidden opportunities, and propel your life forward.Whether you're navigating career changes, entrepreneurial ups and downs, or personal hurdles, Amy’s wisdom will change the way you think about setbacks forever...
2025-03-2356 minEscape 9 to 5Finding True Yoga: Why Master Aarya Left Big Yoga to Start His Own StudioEver wondered what it takes to walk away from success to seek true meaning?Master Aarya was at the peak of his career, teaching at one of the largest yoga chains in Hong Kong with packed classes and devoted followers. Yet, he knew something was missing. Driven by a deeper calling, he left it all behind to establish Pragya Yog School—a holistic space dedicated not just to physical poses, but to the full wisdom of yogic tradition.In this inspiring episode, Aarya shares openly about:🌱 Why he walked away from a thriving corporate yoga career🧘 The true meaning and prac...
2025-03-0853 minEscape 9 to 5She Quit Law to Build a Mac & Cheese Empire – Erin Wade’s Million Dollar Success Story🚀 She left corporate law to chase her love for mac & cheese… and built a thriving empire. Erin Wade, the founder of Homeroom, went from a career in law to creating one of the most successful mac & cheese restaurants in the U.S. In this episode, she shares:🍜 Why she quit law to start a restaurant💸 How she built a thriving F&B business from scratch🔥 The biggest challenges she faced as a first-time entrepreneur⚖️ How she created a groundbreaking anti-harassment policy for restaurants🚀 Lessons from her journey + advice for aspiring foundersThis episode is a must-watch for anyone who dreams of breaking free from...
2025-02-1649 minEscape 9 to 5Julian Treasure: How to Speak So People Listen & Why Listening Is a SuperpowerIn this episode of Escape 9 to 5, I sit down with Julian Treasure, the world-renowned sound and communication expert whose TED Talks have been viewed over 100 million times. As the author of How to Be Heard and Sound Business, Julian has dedicated his life to helping people communicate more effectively, harness the power of listening, and create meaningful connections.
We explore:
The surprising impact of sound in everyday life
How to speak so people listen (his viral TED Talk!)
The art of listening and its transformative power in relationships
Practical tips for enhancing communication in both work...
2025-01-1758 minEscape 9 to 5How Senad Dilji Became a Web3 Leader at 23: A Startup Journey🌐 How does a 23-year-old crack $70M in Web3 deals? Meet Senad Dilji, a rising star in the crypto world. As the 8th employee at Thrive Protocol, Senad helped secure massive partnerships with top players like Polygon and Arbitrum—all while redefining what’s possible in the blockchain space. 🚀
In this episode of Escape 9 to 5, we dive into:
🔑 Senad’s journey from a university student with 3 jobs to leading Web3 business development.
💡 How he navigates the fast-paced crypto industry and stays grounded.
❤️ Lessons on love, purpose, and finding balance beyond startup life.
Whether you're curious about blockchain, startups, or what it takes to succeed at...
2024-12-1433 minEscape 9 to 5Stop Chasing Success the Wrong Way: Break the Golden Handcuffs | Nat EliasonAre you chasing success the wrong way? In this episode of Escape 9 to 5, Nat Eliason, the author of Crypto Confidential, joins us to discuss why breaking free from the “golden handcuffs” of conventional career paths is essential for finding true fulfillment.
Nat, who left behind a financially secure path, "hacked" college system, built a successful SEO agency, and navigated the highs and lows of the crypto world, shares the valuable lessons he learned about purpose, success, and what really matters. Tune in to learn why real success might take 1,000 days and why financial stability isn’t the end goal—it’s the...
2024-11-0255 minEscape 9 to 5We Need a New Framework for Hard Work | Mohan Sivaloganathan"There's reframing we need to do to see rest as a necessary gift"
In this episode of Escape 9 to 5, we’re joined by Mohan Sivaloganathan, a keynote speaker and founder of Harmonious Leadership. Mohan shares his deeply personal journey of recognizing burnout after years of pushing himself as a leader and changemaker.
He opens up about what burnout looks like for driven individuals, the physical and mental toll it takes, and how he found a way to redefine leadership with well-being at the center.
Through candid stories and practical advice, Mohan talks about how we can all learn to he...
2024-10-0958 minEscape 9 to 5How to Recreate Your Life and Find Your Good Work | Paul MillerdIn this episode of Escape 9 to 5, I chat with Paul Millerd, author of The Pathless Path and Good Work. After a successful career at McKinsey and BCG, Paul decided to walk away from the traditional corporate ladder in search of something more meaningful. A health crisis was the turning point, prompting Paul to reassess his life and follow his curiosity—leading him to what he calls the Pathless Path.We dive deep into Paul's journey of leaving the "default path," how he found peace in uncertainty, and why he believes there is no one right way to live or wo...
2024-09-241h 13Escape 9 to 5#12 - From Corporate to Climate Advocacy: How Eli Mitchell-Larson Tells a Better Climate StoryEventually, our passions guide us back to who we truly are. For Eli, whether in university, impact investing, or working across California and Nepal, one thing remains constant: he's a climate person at heart.
Fighting climate change requires a better story—and more people to join the fight. In this episode of Escape 9 to 5, I sit down with Eli, a passionate climate advocate, who shares his remarkable journey from a traditional career path to becoming a pioneer in the carbon removal space.
"All forms of carbon removal are carbon removal."Learn more about Carbon Ga...
2024-09-011h 03Escape 9 to 5"If you are energy rich, you get far more done." Award Winning Personal Development Coach Simon Alexander Ong on How to Reboot Your LifeHey wonderful people! I'm so excited to share this very special episode of *Escape 9 to 5* with you! This time, we did something different—we recorded this episode live with an amazing audience at The Conduit in London, and the energy in the room was just incredible. 🥳
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Simon Alexander Ong, a powerhouse in the world of personal development and energy management. Simon’s journey from the fast-paced world of investment banking, including his time at Lehman Brothers, to becoming a transformational coach and speaker, is truly inspiring. We dive into th...
2024-08-1249 minEscape 9 to 5Why your 30s can be better than your 20s? | Dr Meg Jay🌟 Ready to discover why your 30s can be even better than your 20s? Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Meg Jay, the renowned clinical psychologist and author known for her work on the 20sths. In this podcast, we explore how to navigate career changes, build identity capital, and make the most of your 20s and 30s.
🔍 What You'll Learn:
- Why your 30s can be better than your 20s
- Building identity capital in your 20s and 30s
- Navigating career changes and challenges
- Practical advice for thriving in both decades
📚 About Dr. Meg Jay:
Dr. Meg Jay...
2024-07-221h 01Escape 9 to 5From Wall Street to Relationship Coach: Stephen Choi's Digital Nomad Life"How you do one thing is what you do everything."
This week we are back with another episode of Escape 9 to 5. With Stephen Choi, a relationship coach who has started career on the wall street, we had such a wholesome conversation about the challenges of today’s hyper-digitally connected world and the importance of creating genuine connections offline. Stephen is an incredible example of this through his founding of House Manifest and his impactful coaching business.
Timestamp:
0:00 Intro
1:20 Two truths and a lie
5:25 Why then
12:49 How to get first customer?
33:15 What next?
38:14 Lightning ro...
2024-07-0841 minEscape 9 to 5How to Become a Full-Time YouTuber: Mint Mindy's Journey (8K Subs)EP8: "I just know if I don't do this right now, I will regret it when I die." This is what Mint Mindy told me when asked about how her family feels about her decision to pursue YouTube.
In this episode of "Escape 9 to 5," I chat with @Mint Mindy, a full-time YouTuber who's all about tech and lifestyle. We met at the PTYA meetup in Singapore, and we had such a blast! We laughed a lot and dived into the tough parts of being a YouTuber, discussing how to stay motivated by focusing our energy in the...
2024-06-1629 minEscape 9 to 5How we can Learn from our Trauma & Master Storytelling with Matthew Dicks"Storytellers are people who are self-centered in a positive way." Matthew Dicks is an internationally bestselling author, podcaster, and a 59-time champion storyteller who teaches storytelling to individuals, companies, and universities. Hearing him say "My assumption is no one likes me, no one wants to listen to me, I have to find a really effective way to grab their attention and hold it at all times." made me realize how hard it is to tell a good story and how important it is.I recently finished reading his book *Someday Is Today*, where he shares his journey of finding...
2024-05-2747 minEscape 9 to 5"You Need to Be So Obsessed." How Founders Balance Mental Health & Stay MotivatedEP6 - "This is what I think about at night, I will wake up in the middle of the night and write stuff down" It's all about loving what you do—but not letting it consume you.
Second installment of the podcast episode with Brendan and Kiran, the founders behind Velvet Green. Tune in as they share their own real-life tactics for balancing relentless drive with essential mental health breaks. It’s a rare glimpse into the challenging yet rewarding world of driven entrepreneurs who manage to keep their passion alive without burning out.
2024-05-1324 minEscape 9 to 5That's the Best Day of My Life: How Life’s Own Course Correcting Shape a Dream"Getting fired was the best day in my life." In Part 1 of EP5 of Escape 9 to 5, we meet the "Climate Cowboys," Brendan and Kiran, co-founders of Velvet Green, an impact-driven video production agency that’s changing the game. In this episode, we explore the raw and real beginnings of starting a business, the unexpected twists of fate, and the invaluable lessons learned from life's toughest moments. Discover how getting fired turned into the best day of Kiran’s life, how you got to learn how to take care of your mental health while building a business and how these expe...
2024-05-0633 minEscape 9 to 5From 9 to 5 for 24/7 Passion, The Truth Behind Building a Dream, Anh, CEO of Nimi, RevealsIs it true that you escape 9 to 5 then you can do whatever you want? Is it true when you work for yourself you no longer to listen to anyone?
Step away from the grind and into the passion with Anh, CEO of Nimi, as she lays bare the exhilarating, round-the-clock adventure of leaving her 9 to 5. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a revelation of what it truly takes to build a dream from the ground up. Anh's story is one of transformation, courage, and the relentless pursuit of a vision that extends well beyond the office hours.
It's...
2024-04-3038 minEscape 9 to 5From Meeting Beyoncé to Entrepreneurial Success: Asif's Story | Escape 9 to 5EP3 is truly one for the books! 🌟 I sit down with Asif, a fellow visionary from the Antler residency entrepreneur program, who shares an early brush with stardom and the invaluable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey.
From switching gear to riding the startup rolling coaster, what makes people succeed? What kind of impact people want to make when they escape 9 to 5? find out all of those in today's video!
Follow Asif on LinkedIn on his journey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asifalidina/
00:00 Intro
01:11 The pivotal career moment
05:47 What now?
12:00 What's next?
13:22 Work life balance
16:20 Lightning Round - meeting Beyoncé and...
2024-04-1521 minEscape 9 to 5"I always knew I wasn't going back to Banking." Banker turned Comedian and Storyteller, Anna's One Way Ticket StoryShe ditched the financial forecasts for a future unwritten.
EP2 with Anna Ong. Wave goodbye to number crunching, say hello to punchlines; Anna Ong's journey turns the tables on the typical career narrative. In this episode of 'Escape 9 to 5', we're not just talking about a switch from banking to the arts – we're diving into a life where the script is made up and the budget sheets don't matter.
Join me today as Anna spills the beans on how a one-way ticket sparked a seismic shift from fiscal reports to standing ovations. She's not just br...
2024-04-0126 minEscape 9 to 5[Bonus] Ask these questions before you quit! | Escape 9 to 5"I quit." It's never as rosy as it sounds.Hey everyone! 🌟 Thinking of breaking free from your 9 to 5, but not quite sure if you're ready to take that leap? In this video, I'll walk you through the LEAP Framework — a series of four crucial questions focusing on Vision, Values, Timing, and Triumph. This framework is designed to not just inspire you but to equip you with the clarity and conviction needed to make a thoughtful decision about your next chapter.
2024-03-1007 minEscape 9 to 5Life After Banking: My Personal Story | EP1Join us on 'Escape 9 to 5', where we step off the conventional career ladder and onto the winding path of personal discovery.
In our first episode, I sit down with Michelle from the 'Closer' podcast to share my own leap from the security of banking into the vibrant world of startups. We'll talk about the challenges and triumphs of relocating globally, the reasons behind my shift to entrepreneurship, and the life-changing advice that's guided my journey. Tune in to hear how embracing the pathless path can lead to unexpected destinations and a life lived on your own terms.
2024-03-0426 min