Brett Trainor Unplugged is for Gen Xers who want to get one step closer to living the life they want—on their terms. After six years of building life beyond the default corporate playbook, thousands of conversations with Gen Xers, entrepreneurs, and experts, and features in Fortune, Fast Company, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and Inc., Brett Trainor is still on the quest to build his ideal life—and he shares what he learns along the way. Part personal journal, part practical guide, and part curious conversation, this is a candid, lightly produced show about stripping away the noise, rejecting unnecessary grin...
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Sep 30, 2026 · 40:50
Join my Substack: https://bretttrainor.substack.com/ Episode Overview: Janet Tanguay got spitballed by her own colleagues in a corporate training for going off script. She lasted…
Sep 26, 2026 · 38:35
Join Brett’s Substack: Letters from an Escapee: : https://bretttrainor.substack.com/ Hans Weygoldt had everything on paper. Good money, job security, the family business, the…
Sep 24, 2026 · 50:06
I've had north of a hundred authors on this show. This one stuck with me differently, and it's because of one word: Purgatory. Geoff Curtis spent nearly thirty years building a…
Sep 22, 2026 · 41:22
Megan Collier's first appearance is still one of my most downloaded episodes, so she's back. Quick version if you missed it. UGC is user generated content. Brands pay you to make…
Sep 16, 2026 · 42:13
Shelley McIntyre is back on the show, and her first appearance is still one of the most downloaded episodes I've done. She was a grief counselor before she was a coach, which is…
Sep 8, 2026 · 18:31
Somebody commented on one of my TikToks. He'd started his own solo business a couple years back, it's working, he's happy. Then he said "but it's not for everyone." I'd been…
Sep 2, 2026 · 49:07
Wes Wheless got laid off twice inside a few years. COVID, then the tech downturn. He wasn't angry about the second one. He just didn't have the energy to go attach himself to…
Aug 28, 2026 · 18:33
This one's a step back to look at the big picture, because a lot of the Gen Xers I talk to are too busy living life to see it. Three things are colliding at once. Corporate is…
Aug 22, 2026 · 20:35
Corporate quit on me just over six years ago. At the time I thought this was about one thing: replacing my income. Six years, 350 episodes, and a whole lot of experiments later,…
Aug 20, 2026 · 8:15
Brett Trainor Unplugged is for Gen Xers who want to get one step closer to living the life they want—on their terms. After six years of building life beyond the default corporate…
Aug 12, 2026 · 25:42
You can always make more money. You can't make more time. This is the episode that ties the whole thing together: what a time rich life actually is, and why control of your time,…
Aug 1, 2026 · 31:03
Making money outside corporate is easier than landing your next corporate job. After a thousand-plus conversations with people leaving corporate, the blocker is almost never…
Jul 25, 2026 · 22:07
Pro athletes know their career has an expiration date. Corporate never tells you yours has one too. Here's the part nobody says out loud: when corporate moves on from you, it…
Jul 17, 2026 · 45:23
"Work should feel good. Not a long, slow march to oblivion." That's Diana Alt, and it's the perfect line to open our first guest episode under The Time Rich Project. Diana is an…
Jul 15, 2026 · 22:39
For six years I thought I was running from corporate. Turns out I was chasing the wrong thing. Welcome to The Time Rich Project. Same host, evolved mission, new name. This is the…
May 29, 2026 · 39:51
Janice Porter has been on LinkedIn since 2004, hosts the Relationships Rule podcast (368+ episodes), and has spent almost two decades teaching solo operators the part of business…
May 22, 2026 · 42:29
Episode Description Megan Collier (@megan_ugc, 300K+ on TikTok) is back on The Corporate Escapee for a Round 2 conversation, and the market has shifted under our feet. UGC,…
May 20, 2026 · 27:51
Episode description: GenX is elite at overcomplicating making money. A Millennial gets a side hustle idea and is live by Sunday. A Gen Z is already filming the TikTok. A GenXer…
May 13, 2026 · 20:53
No one is coming to save you. Not your company. Not HR. Not the next reorg, promotion, or administration. That's not doom and gloom. That's actually the good news. Because once…
May 7, 2026 · 23:49
The Setup Six-plus years ago, when corporate quit on Brett, the goal was simple: make more money than corporate was paying him. That was it. Money, money, money. It took two…
Apr 30, 2026 · 16:54
This one is personal. Brett flies solo to deliver the one thing he wishes someone had told him when he was still inside corporate grinding it out and telling himself it was the…
Apr 17, 2026 · 15:33
Most people leave corporate and immediately chase the familiar paths — consulting, coaching, fractional work. Those are valid. But they take time, runway, and a warm network. In…
Apr 7, 2026 · 34:09
Kristen Hamborg is six weeks out of a 25-year corporate interior design career — and she's never looked back. In this episode Kristen shares how burnout, a pandemic pivot, and a…
Apr 1, 2026 · 34:03
Danielle Burken escaped corporate in September 2023 — but her journey started six years before that. In this episode Danielle shares how she went from a full-time agency job with…
Mar 20, 2026 · 17:36
Corporate is using AI to eliminate jobs. Escapees get to use it to multiply themselves. In this solo episode Brett pulls back the curtain on exactly how he runs his entire…
Mar 13, 2026 · 15:26
The 4 Real Paths to Replace Your Corporate Income Most corporate escapees think they only have two options: find another job or figure out how to start a business from scratch.…
Mar 6, 2026 · 31:47
750 layoffs a day. No, that's not a typo — and it's not slowing down. Brett sits down with Steve Jaffe, marketing veteran and author of The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to…
Feb 26, 2026 · 20:45
There's a Lit song that's been stuck in my head for weeks: "My Own Worst Enemy." And it's the perfect metaphor for my entire solo journey. I've blocked myself at every…
Feb 19, 2026 · 45:35
Fractional work is exploding — and it’s still confusing for a lot of corporate escapees. In this Featured Speaker session inside the Escapee Collective, John Arms breaks down…
Feb 18, 2026 · 17:23
Jon the Escapee Collective! What keeps 79% of corporate professionals stuck isn't lack of skills or opportunity—it's something deeper. In this solo episode, Brett shares the…
Feb 11, 2026 · 20:21
Corporate isn’t stabilizing—and that matters if your income still depends on it. In this solo episode, Brett breaks down three trends shaping the Escapee economy in 2026: a…
Feb 6, 2026 · 36:32
Ashley Evenson returns for her third appearance on The Corporate Escapee Podcast — and this time it’s a real update from the field. Two years into her escape, she breaks down…
Feb 5, 2026 · 28:37
Corporate gives you an easy identity: your title, your company, your lane. But once you start building something outside corporate—consulting, fractional, content, a book, a…
Jan 29, 2026 · 58:23
Post Corporate Life with Brett Trainor & John Arms I recently had the chance to join John Arms on his podcast: Fractional Unfiltered Link:…
Jan 28, 2026 · 13:42
Most people believe the ones who succeed after escaping corporate are the smartest, most experienced, or most credentialed. They’re not. In this solo episode, Brett breaks down a…
Jan 23, 2026 · 38:07
Michelle Warner took the “escapee avoidance” route — she planned to do the traditional MBA-to-consulting path… then graduated straight into the Great Recession (the day Lehman…
Jan 23, 2026 · 45:49
If you’ve been thinking about leaving corporate but the risk feels too big, this episode gives you a smarter way to look at it. Brett sits down with Alex Smereczniak , a former…
Jan 21, 2026 · 54:29
Tom Mirabella left corporate at 30 and never looked back. Seventeen years later, he’s built Wingman into a 25-person business by doing what corporate rarely rewards: solving…
Jan 15, 2026 · 41:46
What if scaling your business didn’t require hiring, hustling harder, or stacking endless clients? In this episode, Brett sits down with Pia Silva (No BS Mastery) to break down a…
Jan 13, 2026 · 18:02
Why do so many people leave corporate… only to end up going back? In this solo episode, Brett breaks down the two core reasons most corporate escapees fail—and more importantly,…
Jan 8, 2026 · 37:18
What if podcasting wasn’t just content—but a bridge out of corporate? In this episode, Brett sits down with Mark Hayward, former PwC and KPMG consultant turned podcast host and…
Jan 7, 2026 · 39:52
If you know corporate isn’t for you but you can’t see a clean exit, this episode is your roadmap. Brett sits down with Sam Lee (Indie Collective) to break down how experienced…
Dec 24, 2025 · 24:55
Get the New Escapee Starter Kit Here If you know corporate is broken—but you’re not ready to quit—this episode is for you. In this year-end solo episode, Brett walks through 7…
Dec 19, 2025 · 40:31
This episode is a live mini-workshop recorded with members of the Escapee Collective (and released here because it was too useful to keep inside the community). My guest Diane…
Dec 8, 2025 · 22:11
If you know corporate is broken but jumping straight into solopreneur life feels like too big a leap, this episode is for you. Brett breaks down how to treat your “escape plan”…
Dec 5, 2025 · 43:43
If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “Why didn’t that land?” Or if you’ve ever felt invisible in corporate… Or if you’re building a life outside of corporate and…
Nov 27, 2025 · 37:55
What happens when corporate stress gets so bad you literally can’t swallow solid food? That’s where Claire Sullivan found herself. On December 1st, 2023, corporate quit on her —…
Nov 22, 2025 · 40:49
Freebie from Michael: 20% off : https://www.clym.io/p/bretttrainor Most solo businesses are focused on getting clients—but ignore the compliance risks that can quietly wreck…
Nov 20, 2025 · 24:57
This episode is a little different. I was a guest on Catherine Jelinek’s podcast, Breaking Through the Noise — and she generously allowed me to share the full conversation with…
Nov 13, 2025 · 37:55
Today I’m joined by Neil K. Carroll, founder of vidwheel, who took the long way out of corporate: video agency → higher-ed job → rebuilding as a lean solo business. Neil shares…
Nov 12, 2025 · 34:02
Download the FREE Escapee Starter Kit Episode Summary After nearly 30 years in corporate communications, Ed Patterson didn’t just leave corporate—he left the country. He and his…
Nov 7, 2025 · 30:57
Guest: Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver Note from Brett: This Greatest Hits episode is one of the most shared conversations we’ve ever had — and for good reason. If you’re…
Oct 31, 2025 · 33:11
Healthcare is the #1 concern from wannabe escapees DM Brett about. Today, benefits veteran and fellow escapee Tom Morrissey breaks down a solo-friendly health plan designed for…
Oct 29, 2025 · 53:10
What happens after you escape corporate? How do you make your solo business work long-term—without burning out or losing the freedom you left for? In this episode, Brett sits…
Oct 24, 2025 · 31:08
GenX built the systems everyone’s now trying to automate — and that’s exactly why we’re built for what’s next. In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Himmelfarb , one of the…
Oct 22, 2025 · 22:05
About this episode In this solo “CliffsNotes” episode, Brett breaks down how to actually make money from your corporate experience — not theory, not startup fantasy — just 17…
Oct 15, 2025 · 41:17
Paul Durelli returns to The Corporate Escapee Podcast one year after his first appearance to share what’s changed, what’s working, and where he sees the biggest opportunities for…
Oct 11, 2025 · 35:46
If your “great job” feels increasingly empty, this one’s for you. Former corporate leader Lisa Petrilli (Medline/Baxter) shares a practical approach to discovering your Life…
Oct 8, 2025 · 45:24
Robert Lock went from corporate sales leadership to running supply chain during COVID—then used that “between lanes” moment to launch his own firm, Buffalo Mountain Sales…
Sep 27, 2025 · 36:05
When I first interviewed Jesse Cole—the man in the yellow tux and founder of the Savannah Bananas—the team had just started selling out games in Savannah. Fast forward to today,…
Sep 25, 2025 · 33:12
What GenXers stuck in corporate can learn from a 22-year-old former D1 athlete who walked away from the easy path, found his purpose, and chose to serve others—even when it was…
Sep 23, 2025 · 43:34
Brett and Naveen break down how GenX escapees can use AI to work faster, earn more, and de-risk the leap from corporate. You’ll learn where AI actually helps (and where it…
Sep 17, 2025 · 32:26
We’re launching a new recurring segment with Lee Ann Pepper focused on real-world revenue ideas for corporate escapees . If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How would I actually make…
Sep 12, 2025 · 46:23
For most corporate escapees, networking and sales feel like the biggest hurdles to building a solo business. With hundreds of LinkedIn connections and decades of contacts, it’s…
Sep 5, 2025 · 38:04
Fractional, Defined: How to Lead (Not Freelance) with Karina Mikhli What does “fractional” really mean—and is it the right next step after corporate? In this episode, I sit down…
Aug 27, 2025 · 50:22
One of the biggest challenges GenX escapees face after leaving corporate isn’t expertise—it’s business development. How do you find customers, create clarity in your message, and…
Aug 22, 2025 · 29:34
Dual Takeaway: This episode is a two-for-one: inspiration for escaping corporate and practical fitness guidance for living longer, stronger, and on your own terms. What happens…
Aug 22, 2025 · 36:26
After 27 years in corporate—including an executive role— Thea Watkins never imagined she’d end up running her own business. A layoff forced her to pause, reflect, and rethink…
Aug 15, 2025 · 40:40
What does “retirement” really look like for Gen Xers—and why do so many struggle with it? In this episode, I sit down with Joy Levin , market research consultant turned…
Aug 8, 2025 · 40:38
Episode Summary: Think UGC (User Generated Content) is only for 20-somethings? Think again. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Collier—UGC creator, coach, and champion for Gen…
Jul 9, 2025 · 48:45
In this special episode, Brett flips the mic and joins John Browning on the Building Your Life Podcast . They dive deep into what it really means to escape corporate life and…
Jun 9, 2025 · 38:25
She’s back for part two! Shelley McIntyre returns to break down the exact framework she uses to help burned-out GenX professionals escape corporate life— without hitting rock…
Jun 2, 2025 · 51:27
Joe McKay left a government job in Australia to raise his family in rural France—and stumbled into the solopreneur life along the way. In this episode, Joe shares how one…
May 29, 2025 · 53:48
This isn’t a future-of-work episode. It’s a how-to-work-differently episode. Paul Shirley returns for his third appearance on the show—and this time, we go deep. We’re talking…
May 20, 2025 · 16:31
Feeling stuck between your 6-figure corporate salary and the dream of going solo? You’re not alone—and the fear is real. But the risk? It’s not as big as you think. In this Cliff…
May 7, 2025 · 39:13
In this inspiring episode, Brett chats with PR powerhouse Tonya McKenzie, a true OG in the escapee world, having built her own agency nearly a decade ago. Tonya shares the story…
Apr 18, 2025 · 41:40
Shelley McIntyre didn’t just leave corporate—she walked away from a long career in tech and consulting and into something completely unexpected: grief coaching. But as Shelley…
Apr 6, 2025 · 1:12:43
Supersized Episode Alert! This episode goes deep—and for good reason. Eric Collett didn’t just escape burnout and corporate stress. He rebuilt his life around brain health,…
Mar 27, 2025 · 34:50
In corporate, most of us weren’t really making decisions—we were following them. But out here? As an escapee, every choice is yours. And decision-making becomes one of the…
Mar 22, 2025 · 14:45
Welcome to the very first Cliff Notes edition of The Corporate Escapee Podcast —a short, sharp, and actionable solo episode designed to help you take your next step toward…
Mar 10, 2025 · 52:40
In this special crossover episode, I sit down with Kyle Knowles on Maker-Manager Money to share my journey from 30 years in corporate to building The Escapee Collective and The…
Feb 27, 2025 · 42:40
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast , Brett sits down with Matt Hobson-Rohrer, an early escapee who has been navigating the solo business world for over 13 years.…
Feb 21, 2025 · 42:44
The corporate world is changing, and businesses are no longer defaulting to full-time employees. Instead, they’re building lean, high-performing teams using fractional talent.…
Feb 18, 2025 · 1:01:44
In this conversation, Brett Trainor and John Arms discuss the evolving landscape of fractional leadership, exploring its growth, the macro and micro reasons behind this shift,…
Feb 13, 2025 · 41:21
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast , Brett welcomes Denise Murtha Bachmann , a former corporate sales professional who reinvented herself as a consultant, coach,…
Jan 25, 2025 · 47:05
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, host Brett Trainor sits down with Tom Clement, a GenXer who shares his unconventional journey from a blue-collar upbringing to…
Jan 17, 2025 · 34:15
Hey everyone, welcome back to The Corporate Escapee podcast! Today’s episode is a special one. I recently had the pleasure of joining Sabrina Romanov on her podcast, where we had…
Jan 3, 2025 · 45:23
Welcome back to The Corporate Escapee podcast . I’m thrilled to bring you something a little different today. Recently, I had the privilege of being a guest on the What’s Next…
Dec 31, 2024 · 43:58
In this episode of the Corporate Escape-y Podcast, Thom shares his unique journey from being a pastor for 19 years to becoming a successful entrepreneur and StoryBrand coach. He…
Dec 27, 2024 · 32:31
Welcome back to The Corporate Escapee Podcast ! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to chat with Heather McLean, a recent escapee who left behind a high-powered corporate role…
Dec 19, 2024 · 52:29
In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett Trainor speaks with Nic Jones, a former corporate executive turned bus driver who shares his journey of redefining success…
Dec 19, 2024 · 45:12
Welcome to The Corporate Escapee Podcast, where we explore the journeys of GenXers breaking free from corporate life to build something on their own terms. I’m your host, Brett…
Dec 14, 2024 · 30:56
Can experience and wisdom give us a unique edge in the age of AI? In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast , I’m joined by Michael Himmelfarb, a seasoned consultant and…
Nov 16, 2024 · 39:16
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Joe Manganelli shares his journey from a corporate finance role to becoming an entrepreneur and the founder of Calculate, a…
Nov 11, 2024 · 47:15
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Gabrielle shares her journey from a full-time marketing career to going solo, discussing the importance of understanding taxes…
Oct 31, 2024 · 41:37
Ray McKenzie, founder and managing director of Red Beach Advisors, shares his journey from corporate to entrepreneurship. He started his consulting firm in 2015, focusing on…
Oct 22, 2024 · 50:47
In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Nina Sossamon-Pogue shares her multifaceted journey from being a U.S. gymnast to a successful journalist, and then transitioning…
Sep 30, 2024 · 39:32
Hear from a recent corporate escapee and her journey so far. Adrienne Farrell is a corporate wellness consultant and the founder of the InnovateHerLab, a community for women…
Sep 23, 2024 · 38:48
In this episode, Laine Belcastro shares her journey from corporate marketing to becoming a solopreneur and email marketing consultant. Laine discusses the importance of…
Sep 17, 2024 · 38:37
Jaidin McCann, owner of Jasper Consultancy, shares her journey of starting her own executive search firm and offering fractional work. She emphasizes the importance of personal…
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