
Normal 40: The Podcast
Hosted by Lon Stroschein
I walked away from the career I built—at the top—because it was costing me my life.
Now, I help high performers make The Trade.
This podcast is for the ones who have everything… and still feel like something’s missing.
Real stories. Raw truth. No more waiting.
Let’s Ramble. normal40.substack.com
Latest episodes

Jan 2, 2023 • 59min
The Curiosity Part 2
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.In part 1 of The Curiosity, Lon and Adam revealed for the first time the conversation that led to the start of the Normal 40 podcast. In that episode you get to hear in real time the curiosity unfold and manifest into something pretty terrific.In part 2 of The Curiosity you'll hear Adam share his reasoing for being curious and the moments that led him to write that fateful email. Throughout the conversation, Lon shares more about the key points of the Normal 40 journey through Adam's experiences. The entire episode is a raw, vulnerable, and honest look at the Normal 40 journey that you haven't heard before. 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

Dec 19, 2022 • 53min
The Curiosity
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. Part of the Normal 40 process requires you to show up curious and open your mind to possibilities. On this episode Lon and Adam take you all the way back to the beginning - we mean the actual beginning - when Adam showed up in Lon's inbox with a curiosity. That curiosity led to a meeting between Lon and Adam in June of 2022 to explore ideas and chat about life - and here is the good news - it was captured and recorded. You'll get to hear that conversation from start to finish and understand what it means to be curious and open. What was born out of that curiosity became the foundation for the podcast that you know today. Join us for a revealing and authentic look at the Normal 40 process, where two people model what it means to be curious, and how it can change your life 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

Dec 5, 2022 • 52min
The Awakening
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. This episode of the Normal 40 podcast focuses on that punch. You know, the one that drops you right to your knees. The one that takes your breath away. The one that leaves you dazed and confused. No, we aren't talking about MMA fighting, we are talking about an awakening. In fact, it is THE awakening. Join Lon and Adam as they explore the concept of the awakening moment that gets you up and moving. What does it look like? How do you know? And what should you do about it? We'll explore all of these questions - plus - we'll walk through the 6 "D's" of the awakening, and what you can do to take control. 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

Nov 21, 2022 • 52min
The Marriage
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. In this episode, co-pilot Adam Eaton sits down with a person who had a Birds Eye view of the Normal 40 process... Mindi Stroschein, Lon's wife. Mindi offers great perspective on how to talk to the people in your life about the change you want to make. And, for the dudes out there, she gives you invaluable information about how to approach that conversation with your significant other. Mindi also offers a glimpse into her experience watching her husband struggle and wrestle with decisions and emotions. It is a powerful listen, and one that might best consumed as a couple 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

Nov 7, 2022 • 52min
The Acceptance
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. We keep running away from what is chasing us. We’ve got The Beginning, The Guilt, The Trade, The Fear … The Acceptance is how to move through all of that. A whole new mindset comes into play when we accept that the path we’re on may not be the forever path. Generations before us shot for the 40 year gold watch. We don’t have to. We will stay years too long … simply to show our loyalty. But who is that showing loalty to? Acceptance reauires courage, but it also requires selfishness. The good kind. Dude, The Acceptance. You need to grant yourself the permission to go be who it is you want to become. 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

Oct 24, 2022 • 53min
The Fear
The hosts dive into the intricate relationship between fear and personal growth, emphasizing it's a common, yet complex emotion. They discuss how fear can both hinder and motivate, urging listeners to name their fears to regain control. The podcast also highlights the struggles men face in expressing desires and revisiting relationship agreements. Through personal anecdotes, they reveal how embracing fear can lead to transformation and the importance of courage as a counterbalance. Ultimately, it's a call to step out of comfort zones and celebrate small victories.

Oct 10, 2022 • 45min
The Trade
Explore the transformative concept of 'the trade' and its significance in personal journeys. Discover the emotional complexities behind career transitions and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. The discussion delves into the struggles of personal evolution, emphasizing the need for emotional expression among men. It also highlights 'trade' as a continuous journey that requires reflection and self-discovery, encouraging listeners to make meaningful changes toward their true missions in life.

Sep 26, 2022 • 48min
The Guilt - How To Break Free Of Guilt And Embrace That Feeling In Your Gut.
Explore the complex interplay of guilt in men's lives, shaping decisions and emotional experiences. Discover how guilt can be both a barrier to personal growth and a motivational force in career and relationships. Delve into the importance of open communication about aspirations and challenges with partners. Learn to embrace guilt as a pathway to purpose, recognizing it as a sign of care. This conversation sheds light on the transformative power of caring for oneself and the value of pursuing dreams, even amidst life's demands.

4 snips
Sep 12, 2022 • 55min
The Beginning - Embracing Fear and Redefining Success In Midlife
Explore the journey of redefining success beyond traditional markers. Hear insights on embracing vulnerability and its transformative power during midlife. Discover the significance of personal growth, curiosity, and support in overcoming doubts and fears. The discussion highlights the importance of authentic connections and community in navigating emotional struggles. Listeners are encouraged to find their unique paths and engage in meaningful change.

Aug 31, 2022 • 3min
Welcome to Normal 40
Normal 40 is a process I created that has worked for me and many others. It’s 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. But holding it in leads to regret.I’ve seen too many people get to retirement only to realize they have money but not the life they wanted. If you’re here, this is your time to take action. This is the time to write your second-half story. The action you take from this moment forward will pivot your world.My second half story is to help 1,000 people write their second-half story and live it. Let me be more precise: My mission is to have 1000 people write me a note or create a video of thanks for helping them to change their life.That’s my metric – nothing less. Maybe the next one is you.That’s what’s in me. Let’s discover what’s in you.— Lon Stroschein, 13-year public company executive, husband, dad, pilot, friend, and founder of the Normal40. 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