The Normal 40 Podcast

Austin is a dude I've never met. Before this podcast, I'd never heard Austin's voice and knew almost nothing of his story. But on a whim, we connected and recorded this episode. And, being honest, you won't believe where it goes.We talk about it all: Mental Health, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Resilience, Transformation, Football Injury, Radio Commercial, Mount Air Iowa, Opioid Addiction, Career Paths, Anxiety Coping, Identity Change, Manufacturing Image, Friendships, Mental Health Challenges, Rock Bottom, Authenticity, Support, Normal 40 Highway and my book, The Trade.This is an incredible journey with our guest, Austin Moore, who opens up about his life-altering experiences and struggles. Austin shares the story of his life, from his humble beginnings on a farm, his Division I football career, and the injury that derailed it all. Listen as he shares how he battled addiction, despair, and suicidal thoughts and eventually found the courage -- a friend and a strand -- to ask for help and redefine his life. His story is a testament to resilience, proving that even in the darkest times, help is out there, and change is possible.Austin doesn't shy away from discussing his personal challenges in detail, providing an intimate look at the emotional and practical impacts of a career-ending injury, the anxiety he battled, and how he turned to alcohol to cope. Discover how he navigated his way out of the darkness, with help from an unexpected radio commercial and a dude named Matt, and how his transformation led him to a newfound purpose in life.Austin's story is a testament to the power of resilience and serves as a reminder that it's never too late to make a change.Conversations don't come along less scripted than this. But you'll leave here knowing a little more about Austin and a lot more about addiction and how you can show up for yourself -- and for others around you -- who might be going through it.You can connect with Austin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinmoore1/ You can learn more about Lon Stroschein and Normal40.com right here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

Have you ever wondered what it would take to leave the comfort of a six-figure income and a high-powered career behind, and set sail on the open seas? Chris and his wife, Renee, did just that! Living proof that it's possible to let go of the corporate world and its trappings for a simpler life, Chris shares how they traded a $500,000 a-year income for a $50,000 one to live aboard a 52-foot ship. Through this episode, Chris Schramm reveals his Normal 40 Moment and the series of events that led him to question the career path he was on. From managing the delicate balance of career and family to losing a job and handling the pressure of a demanding project, every experience nudged him closer to the realization that something had to change.Chris recounts the tumultuous transition from a high-flying executive to a full-time sailing captain. And trust me, it's not just about the sea and the wind in your hair; Chris also shares the hard realities of managing a 60,000-pound boat and the challenges that such an adventure presents.Chris's story is not just about a drastic life change; it's also about self-discovery and personal growth. It's about betting on yourself and living while you can.Together, we debunk misconceptions of trading successful careers for lives of adventure, stress the importance of health and preparedness, and offer insight for anyone considering a similar life transition. A testament to the power of courage, confidence, and curiosity, this conversation is bound to shift your perspective on life. So, come aboard as we set sail on this incredible life adventure.You can follow their life aboard their boat, The OCEANAIRE, here: https://www.instagram.com/sailing_the_oceanaire/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

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 would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

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 would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

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 would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

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 would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

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 would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

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 would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

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 would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com

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 would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com