Shows
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“Stop Overplanning—Just Start”—Juno Lux’s Advice to Aspiring EntrepreneursCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichJuno Lux, founder of The Haus of H, joins Thomas for a vibrant, honest conversation about spirituality, entrepreneurship, and the power of self-ownership. From working in social work and hospitality to founding a nonprofit for queer spiritual healing, Juno shares the experiences that led them to cut the tie with outdated systems and build something empowering from the ground up.About Juno Lux:Juno Lux is the founder of The Haus of H—a nonprofit that creates holistic, judgment-free spiritual spaces for que...2025-04-2926 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“You Can’t Please Everyone Forever”—How Riggs Eckelberry Took Full Ownership of His BusinessCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichRiggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginClear, joins Thomas to unpack the broken water system, decentralization, and what it means to cut the tie to pleasing others. From rejecting broken industry norms to walking away from Wall Street pressure, Riggs shares a refreshingly honest look at entrepreneurship, leadership, and finding your own path—even if it takes decades.About Riggs Eckelberry:Riggs is the founder and CEO of OriginClear, a public company leading the decentralized water movement. A former corporate exec and nonprofit leader, Ri...2025-04-2833 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms"Entrepreneurship? It's Like Squid Game" a humorous solo episode by your host, Thomas HelfrichCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichIn this special solo episode, Thomas Helfrich lays out the wild reality of leaving corporate life and jumping headfirst into entrepreneurship—through the lens of a chaotic, hilarious, and brutally honest "Squid Game" analogy. If you’ve ever thought about quitting your job or building your own thing, this episode pulls no punches on what the journey really looks like.In this episode, Thomas shares:Round One: The "I Quit" MomentWhen the realization hits that corporate life feels more like...2025-04-2603 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“I Automated Myself Out of a Job”—KJ Fenton on Taking the Risk That Paid OffCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichSales engineer and podcast host KJ Fenton joins Thomas for a fun, honest conversation about balancing a thriving W-2 career with building a passion project, and how cutting ties with "safe" thinking can open bigger doors than you ever expected. From coding macros at EY to launching KJ's Corner, KJ shares how small risks turn into massive growth.About KJ Fenton:KJ Fenton is a principal solutions engineer at Salesforce specializing in Intelligent Automation. He's also the host of KJ's Corner, a...2025-04-2417 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“Stop Hiring Jerks”: Mark Murphy’s Mission to Fix Broken WorkplacesCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichLeadership expert and researcher Mark Murphy joins Thomas for a sharp, data-driven conversation about leadership development, why most hiring practices fail, and how to cut ties with assumptions that hold organizations—and individuals—back. Mark shares his journey from following conventional wisdom to questioning it, uncovering insights that help leaders grow faster and smarter.About Mark Murphy:Mark is the founder of Leadership IQ, a research and training company focused on leadership science. He’s the bestselling author of Hiring for Attitude, Managi...2025-04-2318 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“You Don’t Grow in Comfort”—Why Patrick Coggins Said Goodbye to a High-Paying CareerCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichFrom Finance to Founder: Rebuilding with Purpose | Patrick CogginsPatrick Coggins, founder of CFO's Domain and co-founder of Gen9 Leaders, joins Thomas for an insightful conversation about legacy, leadership, and the hard decision to leave a successful career to build something better. Patrick shares how cutting ties with comfort and tradition allowed him to create a firm driven by purpose, experience, and impact.About Patrick Coggins:Patrick is the founder of CFO's Domain, a finance executive search and...2025-04-2118 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“Don’t Lose Your Family in the Hustle”—What 39 Airbnbs Taught Eric Dingler About SuccessCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichEntrepreneur and digital nomad Eric Dingler joins Thomas to talk about building a location-independent business, cutting ties with traditional success paths, and designing a life centered on freedom, family, and purpose. From pastoring a church to leading a marketing agency while traveling full-time with four kids, Eric shares the mindset and structure behind his unconventional path.About Eric Dingler:Eric is the founder of a U.S.-based digital marketing agency that helps local service businesses build simple, effective marketing systems. He...2025-04-2015 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“I Was Productive… But Lost”: Tamar Stolz on Escaping the Chaos TrapCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichUX designer turned clarity coach Tamar Stolz joins Thomas for a powerful, transparent conversation about overwhelm, self-leadership, and finding your own structure in the chaos of entrepreneurship. Tamar shares her journey from corporate design to coaching creatives—and the moment she stopped copying other people’s systems and built her own.About Tamar Stolz:Tamar is a former UX product designer turned coach who helps creative entrepreneurs ditch the noise and get clear on what matters. She specializes in visual learning, strategic mapp...2025-04-2013 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“I Had to Burn the Ships”—How Brett Swarts Let Go of Old Strategies to Build Real WealthCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichUnlocking Legacy Through Passive Income & Purpose | Brett SwartsBrett Swarts, founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, joins Thomas to share his journey from restaurant jobs and real estate side hustles to building a tax strategy firm that helps clients unlock true financial freedom. Brett opens up about his family’s legacy, faith, and the moment he cut ties with limited thinking to live a life of impact.About Brett Swarts:Brett is the founder of Capital Gains Tax So...2025-04-2010 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“Thank You for Firing Me”—Denis Balitskiy on the Moment That Changed EverythingCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichGrowth strategist Denis Balitskiy joins Thomas for a high-energy, brutally honest talk about the mindset, systems, and real-world lessons behind scaling companies to millions—and the internal breakthroughs it takes to get there. From marketing systems to mindset rewiring, Denis doesn’t hold back.About Denis Balitskiy:Denis is known as the $2B Growth Strategist, having helped companies across SaaS, crypto, and other industries reach massive valuations and scale. With over 14 years of experience and 40+ launches in seven industries, Denis brings unmatched insi...2025-04-1412 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“You Deserve to Be a Superstar”—Why Jeremy Bishop Said Yes to HimselfCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichBuilding a Brand That Deserves the Spotlight | Jeremy BishopJeremy Bishop, founder of Influencer Club Media, sits down with Thomas to talk about the mindset and momentum it takes to grow a world-class personal brand. From high-performing entrepreneurs with no social media presence to the myth of "slow and steady," Jeremy lays out the unfiltered truth of what it takes to get visible, stay consistent, and lead with impact.About Jeremy Bishop:Jeremy is the founder of Influencer...2025-04-1110 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own Terms“This Sucks—I'm Done”: David Rolfe’s Turning Point Before Explosive GrowthCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichDave Rolfe joins Thomas to share a candid look at how failure, grit, and mentorship shaped his journey from struggling entrepreneur to multi-million-dollar network marketer. Dave breaks down the myths of the industry, shares the real lessons behind the setbacks, and encourages listeners to take control of their time, business, and life.About Dave Rolfe:Dave is the founder of Be Smarter With Dave and a seasoned network marketing veteran. After early failures in Amway and other ventures, he built a distribution...2025-04-1016 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsWhy Top Executives Feel Stuck (And How to Grow Through It) – Sharon Spano ExplainsCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichDr. Sharon Spano joins Thomas for a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about cutting ties with limiting beliefs, navigating trauma, and moving into the highest stages of adult human development. With humor, vulnerability, and depth, Sharon shares the tools she uses to help leaders reframe their success and embrace meaningful transformation.About Sharon Spano:Sharon is a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems, executive coach, author, and systems thinker. She works with leaders who are feeling the "emptiness of success"—those who have achieved mu...2025-04-0913 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsVeteran? Don’t “Transition”—Transform. Lisa Ducharme Explains WhyCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichLisa Ducharme, retired Air Force veteran and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce, joins Thomas for a powerful conversation on veteran identity, entrepreneurship, and learning how to stop apologizing for your past. Lisa shares how she helps other veterans embrace their experience, stop trying to fit in, and start building with purpose.About Lisa Ducharme:Lisa is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with over 20 years of service. As the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of...2025-04-0710 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsFrom #1 in the World in Racquetball to Starting Over— Sudsy Monchik's Next MoveCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichRacquetball legend Sudsy Monchik joins Thomas for a deeply personal and surprisingly funny discussion about life after pro sports, the mindset of elite athletes, and what it really means to cut the tie with your former self. From dominating courts to leading at Frank Hotels, Sudsy shares how competition, purpose, and relationships shaped his journey.About Sudsy Monchik:Sudsy is a five-time pro racquetball world champion and one of the most iconic names in the sport. After retiring, he transitioned into business...2025-03-2756 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsCan You Be a Great Mom and an Entrepreneur? Coach Nar Smart Proves It’s PossibleCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichCoach Nar Smart joins Thomas for a raw, empowering conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and purpose. With her baby daughter Emma joining as the first infant guest on the show, Nar shares how she reshaped her identity, challenged social norms, and created impact through coaching and homeschooling.About Nar Smart:Nar is a transformational coach, pod leader, and founder of Bad Moms Media and the Women's Portal. She helps women shift from making excuses to stepping into their purpose, often while balancing motherhood...2025-03-2630 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsLinkedIn Automation & AI: Casey O'Toole on the Future of Smart OutreachCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichCasey O'Toole, founder of LinkyBot AI, joins Thomas to discuss how automation and AI can elevate—not cheapen—your LinkedIn outreach. He shares how he transitioned from real estate to tech founder, the nuances of ethical automation, and how to stay ahead in a constantly shifting digital landscape.About Casey O'Toole:Casey is the founder of LinkyBot AI, a platform that deploys always-on AI sales assistants directly into LinkedIn messaging. With a background in data science and real estate, Casey bootstrapped his comp...2025-03-2544 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsFranchise Strategy & Success: James Hilovsky on Choosing the Right OpportunityCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichFranchise expert James Hilovsky breaks down how to navigate the franchise buying process, debunk common myths, and find models that match your lifestyle, goals, and personality.About James Hilovsky:James is the founder of The FranDream, a franchise consultancy helping professionals and athletes find businesses that align with their personal and financial goals. With decades of experience in restaurants and franchise growth, James guides aspiring entrepreneurs from interest to ownership.In this episode, Thomas and James discuss:2025-03-2452 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsEntrepreneurship & Self-Reflection: John Hall on The Power of Mindset ShiftsCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichJohn Hall, a former tech executive turned transformational coach, shares how a personal crisis sparked his evolution into a leader helping others navigate stress, burnout, and limiting beliefs through breathwork, mindfulness, and self-reflection.About John Hall:John is the founder of a coaching practice centered on the BPM Framework (Breath, Physiology, Mindset). Drawing on a 25-year tech career and a deep personal transformation, John now helps leaders expand their capacity to handle chaos, process trauma, and become more grounded and self-aware.2025-03-2153 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsCommunication Mastery: Turning Introversion into a Strength with Anna ScobyCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichAnna Scoby, corporate trainer, author, speaker, and founder of Project Be You, shares how introverts can develop confidence, find their voice, and communicate effectively. She challenges misconceptions about introversion and explains how learning the right skills can empower anyone to speak up and lead.About Anna Scoby:Anna is the founder of Project Be You, a program designed to help children and young adults develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills. She is passionate about empowering introverts to thrive in a world dominated...2025-03-2057 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsAI for Retail: Why Most Implementations Fail (And How to Fix It) with Kurt JohnstonCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichKurt Johnston, founder of Pallet Analytics, shares how businesses can use data to optimize retail assortment, pricing, and decision-making. He explains why understanding data in context is crucial for long-term success.About Kurt Johnston:Kurt is the founder and CEO of Pallet Analytics, a retail optimization firm that helps businesses refine their product selection, pricing, and inventory strategies using AI-driven analytics.In this episode, Thomas and Kurt discuss:The Power of Context in Data...2025-03-1951 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsBuilding a Skincare Brand: Charles Mayfield on Launching FarrowCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichCharles Mayfield, founder of Farrow Skin, shares how an unexpected discovery turned into a thriving business. From regenerative farming to using pig fat for skincare, Charles breaks down his journey of innovation, challenges, and scaling his business.About Charles Mayfield:Charles is the founder and CEO of Farrow Skin, a pioneering brand using pig fat (lard) as a natural skincare solution. He also works in risk mitigation and insurance, blending his passion for health, farming, and business into his entrepreneurial journey.2025-03-1853 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsScaling with AI: Issac Hicks on Automating Business GrowthCut The Tie Podcast with Thomas HelfrichIssac Hicks, founder of Autonomi, shares how AI agents can transform business efficiency, revealing his journey from aerospace engineering to automation-driven solutions.About Issac Hicks:Issac, an aerospace engineer turned entrepreneur, founded Autonomi to bridge the gap between business problems and scalable AI automation. He helps companies streamline operations by integrating AI-driven workflows.In this episode, Thomas and Issac discuss:AI vs. AutomationAI and automation aren’t the same—while automation improves efficiency, AI a...2025-03-1754 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsMarketing & Monetization: Cliff Tooher on Growing a YouTube Channel & BlogNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichCliff Tooher shares his journey from working in call centers to becoming a content creator and podcaster. With years of experience in the industry, Cliff has built multiple platforms, including a blog, YouTube channel, and podcast, where he shares candid conversations and insights on life, work, and personal growth.About Cliff Tooher:Cliff Tooher is the host of Candid Conversations and Tales from the Cube, a podcast that dives deep into the reality of working in call centers. With over 20 years of...2025-03-1452 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsEntrepreneurship & Nonprofits: How Heidi Hamels & Alaina Baker Built Uplift MalawiNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichHeidi Hamels and Alaina Baker share the mission behind Uplift Malawi, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable schools, life skills programs, and community partnerships to provide better opportunities for children in Malawi. They discuss the challenges of running a nonprofit, the realities of fundraising, and how they are making a direct impact on the lives of children.About Heidi Hamels & Uplift Malawi:Heidi Hamels is the founder of Uplift Malawi, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable education and community empowerment. Alongside...2025-03-1356 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsYouTube Growth: The Strategy Behind Roger Wakefield’s Massive ChannelNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichRoger Wakefield shares his journey from being a plumber to becoming a YouTube sensation and thought leader in the trades industry. He discusses how the trades are an untapped goldmine, the importance of branding for tradespeople, and how to leverage digital platforms to grow a business.About Roger Wakefield:Roger Wakefield is a master plumber, YouTube creator, and founder of The Trade Talks. He started as a plumbing business owner and later pivoted to content creation, building one of the largest online...2025-03-121h 08
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsCEO Success: What Every First-Time Leader Must Know with David RocheNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichDavid Roche shares his insights on leadership, decision-making, and overcoming imposter syndrome as a first-time CEO. With decades of experience leading companies and coaching executives, David discusses how leaders can rethink their approach to success, navigate challenges, and build lasting impact.About David Roche:David Roche is a leadership coach, mentor, and author of Become a Successful First-Time CEO. With a background as a CEO, board director, and executive mentor, David has worked across multiple industries, guiding leaders through high-stakes transitions and...2025-03-0552 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsWhy High Achievers Struggle to Start Over—Dr. Kim Dang ExplainsNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichDr. Kim Dang shares her journey from being a Yale professor to building a life and business aligned with her purpose. She dives into the mindset, decision-making, and strategies needed to successfully start over and create a life of fulfillment and success.About Dr. Kim Dang:Dr. Kim Dang is a former Yale mathematics professor turned entrepreneur, speaker, and performance coach. She is the founder of The Art of Starting Over, where she helps high achievers reinvent themselves, align with their true...2025-02-1448 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsHow to Monetize Your Podcast with Community and Services From Day 1Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichThomas Helfrich shares an inside look at how he successfully monetized Never Been Promoted, taking the podcast from an idea to $60,000 in revenue in just one year. In this solo episode, Thomas breaks down his strategy, tactics, and mindset for turning a podcast into a revenue-generating asset.About this episode:Thomas Helfrich, founder of Instantly Relevant and Cut the Tie, presented at Podfest 2025, detailing how he built Never Been Promoted into a monetizable brand. From leveraging guest sponsorships to creating a mastermind...2025-01-2721 min
Cut The Tie | Define Success on Your Own TermsHow to Stop Making Excuses and Avoid Fear, It's Killing Your Potential with Thomas HelfrichNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichIn this solo episode, Thomas Helfrich breaks down how fear and excuses quietly destroy our potential in relationships, work, and purpose. He shares actionable strategies to break free from self-doubt and embrace a mindset of intentionality, gratitude, and vulnerability to unlock success.About this episode:Thomas Helfrich, founder of Cut the Tie and Never Been Promoted, explores the Fear-Excuse Cycle—a pattern that holds people back from taking action. He outlines a framework to replace self-imposed limitations with deliberate action, he...2025-01-1610 min