Normal 40: The Podcast

This is part 2 of a conversation Lon Stroschein rambles with Paul Reynolds, a former public company executive who bravely embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship one year ago. Paul offers invaluable insights about the realities of transitioning from a corporate job to starting your own business, the effects on his family life, and the crucial lessons he's gleaned along the way. If you're contemplating a career transition, in the midst of one, or simply curious about what it entails, this conversation, sprinkled with Paul's nuggets of wisdom, is a must-listen.He shares his personal journey, from losing his wife to feeling disconnected from his work and kids to a profound moment of realization that sparked a drastic change. If you've ever felt the same, this episode will show you that it's possible to rebalance your life and prioritize what truly matters.Paul's inspiring story serves as a reminder that we need to back ourselves financially -- and trust that we will find our way through. This is not a conversation about business; it's about life, priorities, authenticity, and backing yourself up in your pursuits. Tune in to be inspired, learn, and, perhaps, consider making a trade of your own. www.Normal40.com Lon Stroschein Contact: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroscheinPaul Reynolds Contact: www.linkedin.com/in/paul-reynolds-6397107/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered how life's biggest setbacks can turn into opportunities for growth?Well, you need to meet Paul Reynolds, a guy whose journey embodies this transformation. After losing his wife to cancer and facing the brunt of the pandemic, Paul did the unthinkable - he quit his lucrative executive job to start anew. We navigate this remarkable tale of resilience, uncovering how adversity led Paul to create his own path.Find more from Lon here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein We move beyond the pandemic narrative and discuss how COVID-19 has impacted life and work on an individual level. Paul shares an interesting perspective about turning 50, deeming it as a 'half-time' in life, which catalyzed the creation of the 'Normal 40' group. He emphasizes how crucial it is to live each day to the fullest, a sentiment echoed by many amidst these challenging times.We talk about his wife's battle with cancer and how it profoundly changed their lives. Paul candidly discusses the struggles of maintaining a career and family life amidst such trying times, and how he and his wife found strength in each other.Moreover, we discuss the bold decision to leave his corporate job and the inherent risks. Paul's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the courage it takes to make significant life changes, even when the 'right time' seems elusive. This podcast was recorded in March 2022, weeks after both Lon and Paul resigned from their first-half life, and kicked off their Normal 40 story.Follow more on Paul here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-reynolds-6397107/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-reynolds-6397107(0:00:01) - Inspiring Conversation With Lon and PaulPaul and I discussed his resilience, courage, and journey of leaving his executive job and starting a new life after his wife's death and the pandemic.(0:07:10) - Life and Work in COVID EraPaul and I discussed the impacts of Covid-19, living one's best life, and the 'normal 40' concept.(0:20:23) - Navigating Life's Unexpected ChallengesPaul and his wife found strength in each other while facing her breast cancer diagnosis, treatments, and complications while also balancing his career and family life during the pandemic.(0:35:30) - Regrets in Pursuit of HappinessPaul Reynolds gave up his corporate job to prioritize his family, and Covid-19's impact on work and taking risks is discussed.(0:40:04) - Taking Control of Your CareerPaul Reynolds shares his journey of leaving corporate life to become an entrepreneur, spurred by his wife's breast cancer diagnosis, and his mission to help others write their second half story.(0:52:18) - Opportunities to Join and ConnectPaul Reynolds shares his journey of overcoming challenges, discussing the 14 questions that changed his life and joining the Insider group to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever found yourself clinging to the familiar, paralyzed by the fear of stepping into the unknown? Are you seeking the courage to embrace change and take a bold leap into the future? Tune in to Part 2 of my intriguing and inspiring conversation with the former General Stan McChrystal, where we delve into these questions and more. We uncover the concept of adaptation, discuss the fear of change, the power of breaking free from what's familiar, and the liberation it brings.During our conversation, we dive deep into the concept of 'leadership satisfaction' and how, as leaders, we can influence our organization's ability to adapt and thrive amidst change. I open up about my personal journey of leading a successful battalion and the challenging decision of leaving a job for an uncertain future. In an inspiring moment, General McChrystal imparts his thoughts on risk-taking and making impactful changes in life.Transitioning from one career to another can be daunting, especially when it involves stepping away from military life into the civilian world. Stan offers invaluable advice on navigating through these challenging transitions, particularly when dealing with financial or status-related expectations. Drawing from gratitude, understanding generational differences, and the power of adaptation, this engaging conversation is sure to inspire anyone seeking to initiate change and embrace the unknown. Join us as we journey together into new territories and open up new possibilities.Episode Chapters:(0:00:00) - Inspiration and Change With Stan McChrystal: Stan McChrystal and I discuss adaptation, golden handcuffs, fear of change, and taking an honest inventory of the world.(0:13:49) - Leadership and Change Satisfaction: I share how to lead successfully and take risks to make meaningful changes.(0:18:44) - Navigating Transitions and Embracing Change: Accepting change and taking risks to transition careers is discussed, particularly for those in the military.(0:27:40) - Adapting and Transitioning to New Chapters: Stan McChrystal advises on retirement and transitioning from military to civilian life, reflecting on when something fits and taking on new challenges.(0:34:46) - Endorsement and Gratitude With General McChrystal: Stan McChrystal shares his experiences of adapting to generational differences, trusting others, and transitioning from military to civilian life.(0:43:01) - Join Insider Community, Buy Trade Book: Stan McChrystal emphasizes adapting to new situations, taking an honest inventory of oneself, and trusting and helping others.Listen to Part 1: https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/56435173/download.mp3Connect with Me:The Normal 40 All Access: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein Buy My Book The Trade on Amazon: https://a.co/d/cG4chW4Learn more about the McChrystal Group: https://www.mcchrystalgroup.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

What if the path to true leadership was not paved with consistent victories but peppered with moments of failure? Former General Stan McChrystal, U.S. Army (Ret), a man of immense distinction, joins the Normal 40 to share his narrative, offering a rare look into his life and the lessons it holds.Stan reflects on duty, leadership, and the journey of personal growth and transformation that came with embracing failure and making The Trade. You'll hear how this shaped him into the person he is today and how it has left an indelible mark on his life and career. This is unlike any conversation you've heard with Stan before. We get an intimate peek into the life of a decorated military man, stripped of formalities, that is raw and real. As we delve deeper into our dialogue with McChrystal, we explore the nuances of his military career and the profound lessons derived from it. His understanding of the importance of not dwelling on the past, and the essence of keeping pace with an ever-evolving present hold invaluable insights for anyone facing a significant life change. Finally, we delve into his endorsement of McChrystal and the mission rooted in support and helping others. His account of his resignation and the transition thereafter is both inspiring and enlightening. McChrystal reflects on the importance of trust, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of relationships in shaping our lives. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a journey through the life of a man who has witnessed the highs and lows, led with courage, and emerged with lessons that resonate with us all.Episode Chapters:(0:00:00) - Public Company Executive to Lifestyle Engineer: General McChrystal and I discussed failure, inspiring conversations, and lessons learned.(0:11:58) - The Resignation and Moving Forward: General McChrystal discussed transitioning from military to civilian life, Obama's momentous decision, and the power of moving forward.(0:22:17) - Leaving, Starting, and Finding Liberation: Stan McChrystal's story of career transition, spouse support, liberation, and impact on others is discussed.(0:29:55) - Duty and Resilience From Stanley McChrystal: Stan shared his journey to a new life, his thoughts on difficult situations, and his inspiring message about decency, honor, and inspiration.(0:34:59) - Promotion of Book and Podcast: General Stanley McChrystal's journey from Afghanistan to meeting the President, his spouse's support, and his leadership skills are explored.Connect with Me:The Normal 40 All Access: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein Buy My Book The Trade on Amazon: https://a.co/d/cG4chW4 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

Join Adam Eaton and Lon Stroschein, best-selling author of the book The Trade, as they explore Lon's transition from a public company executive to an author and lifestyle engineer. Listen in as Lon shares the process of writing and publishing his book, and the overwhelming response he has received since its release. He paints a vivid picture of this podcast episode recorded on a dirt road near his family farm, amidst prairie grasses and pastures, symbolizing his own journey of self-discovery and change.As we navigate through life, we reach a point where we long for something more, something that uncovers our true potential and purpose. This conversation highlights the essence of Lon's book - the hard work of trading our old image for a new one. Listen to Lon's enlightening thoughts on courage versus confidence, and how his book has inspired many to face their life goals head-on. Lon also touches upon his experience with General Stan McChrystal, which adds an interesting dimension to the discussion.Lon shares his vision for where The Trade could change the narrative between financial planners and their clients. Join us for an insightful conversation that could inspire your own 'normal 40' moment.'Welcome to Normal 40, The Podcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

Strap in as we explore the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, from the dizzying highs to the challenging lows. From knowing when to take on new projects, to hiring help for growth, and exercising discipline in your work, we throw open the curtains to reveal the behind-the-scenes of our journey.Call sign "Mace," her story is a testament to the power of embracing change and taking risks. As a farm kid from Wisconsin, she became one of the squadron's first F-16 Thunderbird pilots before making The Trade to launch a new career as an entrepreneur. Listen as she shares her "Normal 40 moment." Have you ever wondered about the sheer power of courage and how it can catapult you into significant life changes? We go deep into our year of personal transitions and growth, probing the strength it takes to make bold decisions and face risks. As we manage the chaos of calendar overload, we talk about the art of maintaining balance and decision-making without the burden of constant 'what-ifs'. Adding a dash of inspiration to the mix, Michelle takes us on her transformational journey from being an Air Force pilot to a keynote speaker and a children's book author. Through her book 'Upside Down Dreams,' she is shaping young minds and paving the way for young girls and boys who aspire to fly. This episode is a testament to the power of embracing change and taking risks.Mace's new book, "Upside Down Dreams, launched a few weeks ago; it is fantastic. You can buy "Upside Down Dreams" here: https://a.co/d/iESGilu I never know who I will meet every time I hit "Join Meeting."In this case, I was someone I'm now proud to call my friend. This is the Normal 40, and this is your home. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

Change is the only constant, and no one knows this better than my guest, former F-16 and Thunderbird Fighter Pilot, Michelle Curran. Call sign "Mace," her story is a testament to the power of embracing change and taking risks. As a farm kid from Wisconsin, she became one of the squadron's first F-16 Thunderbird pilots before making The Trade to launch a new career as an entrepreneur. Listen as she shares her "Normal 40 moment." Michelle and I find plenty of common ground, especially our shared passion for piloting, and together we hope to inspire you to take action and make the changes you want to see in your life.Michelle's journey is an exciting one, taking her from a small farm in Wisconsin to the top of the United State Air Force. Her story proves that change can come from the most unexpected places. Hear about her experiences in the cockpit, her transition from a regular pilot to a Thunderbird pilot, and the story behind her unique call sign. Our chat also covers the nerves and pressure she experienced when participating in her first public event, her transition from a fighter pilot to an entrepreneur, and her thoughts on taking leaps of faith. This episode is a testament to the power of embracing change and taking risks.Spoiler Alert - Mace launched a new book since we recorded this podcast. It's a children's book - and it is fantastic. You can buy "Upside Down Dreams" here: https://a.co/d/iESGilu I never know who I will meet every time I hit "Join Meeting."In this case, I am proud to now call Mace a friend.This is the Normal 40, and this is your home. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

Change can be terrifying, but it can also be liberating. Hear Lon Stroschein share highlights of his journey from the C-Suite to the launch of Normal 40 and the release of his new book "The Trade."Normal 40 finds everyone - and it will find you. You've either gone through it, will go through it, or are smack in the middle of it right now. How do we know this to be true? Tune in to this episode of the Normal 40 Podcast to find out.This is the audio from the soft launch of Lon's new book, The Trade. It is an emotional and inspiring episode that will reveal the risks he embraced, his journey to this point, and his aspirations to make The Trade a New York Times Bestseller.Normal 40 isn't an age; it's a feeling. And when you have your #normal40 moment, you will know. But you won't be alone.Sign up for early access to my book here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered what it's like to fly Marine One for the President of the United States? Who does that? This guy: John Ballenger. But that's only what you see on the outside ... The story is on the inside.On this week's Normal 40 Podcst, we navigate the highs and lows of life with John Ballenger, a former Marine Corps pilot whose #normal40 story will inspire you. We start with his love for aviation, his adrenaline-pumping journey to become the lead pilot for the President of The United States, and how his life was transformed through an encounter with his wife, orchestrated by faith. There is hardly a more impressive duty for a Marine than to fly the President. It's the highest honor for a pilot and a Marine. But behind all of that achievement, behind the uniform, underneath all of the decorations and sterling performance and flight reviews, there can be self-doubt and heartbreak. And no matter the rank, learn how nothing in his lifetime of training had prepared him - or his marriage - for how to navigate the loss of a child.John and Lon Stroschein discuss the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life and the imposter syndrome that found John along the way. And hear - in his words - how he has moved from grappling with self-doubt to becoming a coach for others who have been where he's been.Learn about the hidden grind behind achieving big goals and the power of persistence, and grasp the 'grueling it out' portion of the journey, a testament to John's resilience.Finally, we explore Normal 40, a mission close to John's and my heart that aims to make a profound impact on the lives of those transitioning from military to civilian life. Discover the transformative power of group events and how they've changed lives. Hear John's thoughts on mindfulness, the power of failure, and how our experiences, rewarding or otherwise, shape our stories. Join us as we navigate this journey, filled with emotion, inspiration, and insights.Normal 40 is a process that gets you out of your head and into your gut. It helps you get back to where you used to be going…and back to how you used to feel. You can choose to explore it and let it out, or you can choose to suppress it and hold it in. Join Normal 40 founder Lon Stroschein for a really interesting Ramble with a dude you need to know, John Ballenger.John has a unique background and story that has called him to be "on mission" and help define his second-half story.You can follow more of John's story here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ballenger53/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe

In 2011, tragedy struck Larry Ambrose when his wife died suddenly, without notice, two months after the birth of their eighth child and while Larry was away on a work trip.Now a single parent of eight kids, all under 14, he faced unimaginable challenges as a former company executive and a single parent.In this incredibly moving episode, Larry shares the heart-warming details of the day he met his wife, and the heart-wrenching details of the challenges that ensued. And learn how he managed to cope with grief while raising his children and navigating his professional career.Larry's resilience and determination to prioritize joy and presence with his children led him to #thetrade of a lifetime when he walked away from a 30-year career in 2017. We delve into the importance of recognizing and facing our own life trades head-on, as Larry recounts the pivotal wake-up call that changed his life for the better. This episode is not only a testament to the power of the human spirit, but also an inspiring reminder of how life offers no guarantees and is best lived without regrets. So, what's next for Larry? We also discuss how he is using his story and platform to inspire others, and the ways in which the Normal 40 movement can rally around people with similar missions. Larry even shares details about his upcoming book, a business he is launching with his partner Dawne Jacoby and a podcast he plans to launch this summer -- emphasizing the search for joy and meaning after loss. There are probably very few times in life when you hear something, and it stops you right in your tracks and takes your breath away. On this episode, you'll undoubtedly have one of those moments as Larry Ambrose (who is a dude you need to know) shares his story of love, loss, guilt, and the blessings he feels. It is an incredible journey that culminates in Larry making the ultimate trade, for some very personal and unique reasons. But the journey is not over yet, as Larry is embarking on writing his second half story, but now with a new purpose.This is Larry's story, and he feels blessed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com/subscribe