Advertise on podcast: Vroom Vroom Veer with Jeff Smith

Angela Finlay is a Chief Human Capital Strategist, former CHRO, educator, and author of Skill Stacking: Taking Ownership of Your Career in Changing Times. With over 30 years leading talent strategy across Fortune 150 companies and fast-growing organizations, she helps professionals and leaders rethink what it takes to build a resilient career in a rapidly shifting world. Angela also teaches Leadershipand Human Capital Management at the graduate level, including at Columbia University, where she brings real-world clarity to the future of work. Through her Skill Stacking framework, Angela equips individuals and organizations to move beyond outdated career paths and resume thinking. Instead of waiting to be developed, she challenges people to take ownership of their growth by intentionally building capabilities that create opportunity, mobility, and long-term relevance. In a world shaped by AI, disruption, and constant change, her message is clear: careers are no longer managed for you. They are built by you. Angela Finlay Vroom Vroom Veer Summary Jeff welcomes guest Angela Finlay and they laugh about the rough tech start to the session. Jeff prompts Angela to talk about what she’s excited about. Angela describes her current roles: fractional and interim CHRO/HR leader for small- to mid-sized businesses, college-level teaching (including work with Columbia University and Fairleigh Dickinson), and a passion project — her book titled Skill Stacking, Taking Ownership of Your Career in Changing Times. She frames her book’s premise: people don’t need to “start over,” they can reconfigure and combine existing skills — an evolution rather than a revolution. Jeff and Angela briefly discuss historical job-displacement fears (Jeff mentions the example of a job to pick up horse poop) and Angela recounts a podcast episode she’d heard about the transcontinental railroad and the recurring nature of job-displacement panic in society. Jeff asks about Angela’s background. Angela says she attended about seven schools by high school because her father worked in the newspaper industry and the family moved often; she learned to “reemerge” in new places. In high school she intentionally pushed herself out of her comfort zone (played field hockey on a losing team, joined activities) and learned to try uncomfortable things. Jeff shares a personal anecdote about his mother buying clothes for a freshman dance and how that changed his presentation. Angela mentions putting her son in a uniform/blazer changed his demeanor. Angela describes applying to many colleges; she unexpectedly received a full scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson and originally intended speech pathology but switched to accounting (in part because her father was an accountant). She took a job in public accounting, found the work (manual ledger work, calculators printing on paper) tedious, and left a cubicle job after about six months. Her manager had been put in charge of HR and offered it to her — she accepted, taught herself about performance evaluations via library research, and began building HR capability despite feeling underqualified. Jeff observes that “figuring things out” is a valuable skill. Angela warns about over-reliance on instant help (Alexa) and the loss of productive struggle. They note chat AI tools are often very positive/encouraging; Jeff gives a brief anecdote of using AI to check hardware compatibility for an old computer and the AI correctly telling him “no.” Angela traces her career: roughly eight to nine years in public accounting, then head of HR at another firm, then about ten years with a Japanese conglomerate, Mitsui. She describes cultural differences at the Japanese company: relationship-building, the “ringy” process (needing consensus from many people), and the need to engage in non-work conversation before work talk. She shares a story about a code-entry error that produced multiple memos and made her feel like she was living an “Office Space” moment. Jeff and Angela discuss how office rhythms and politeness differ across cultures and organizations. Angela says later she moved to a community bank CHRO role in Brooklyn; when the bank was sold in the pandemic she reassessed and moved toward fractional/interim CHRO work and teaching — leveraging her experience going into companies during transitions. She mentions accounting-firm sales training early in her career and that she’s “dangerous” at selling herself; also ties her teaching to early acting lessons and “interacting” skills. They turn to the book and the skill-stacking framework. Angela explains the idea of inventorying and intentionally categorizing one’s skills instead of assuming you have no skills. She outlines categories in her stack model: Supportive skills: foundational expertise (examples she names include accounting and employment law). Tactical skills: execution skills — getting things done, project management, time/task management, resource allocation. Adaptive skills: ability to pivot, learn from feedback, take feedback constructively rather than fight it. Complementary skills: people-related abilities and emotional intelligence (EQ) — empathy, relationship-building (she gives a vivid hospital anecdote where a staffer’s comforting, practical human response mattered more than clinical intervention). Knowledge-seeking: ongoing learning and curiosity, the polymath concept and making connectors among different domains. Jeff and Angela discuss AI: Angela uses AI in her work but notes it tends to be optimistic and encouraging and may not tell her when an idea is a bad one. Jeff recounts the story about AI warning him not to plug a CPU into an incompatible system. They discuss limits of AI and nuance: Angela emphasizes the human ability to read subtext, in-person dynamics, and emotional cues in organizations — things she believes AI can’t replicate. Jeff and Angela also discuss image-generation tools: Angela has experimented with them, found mixed results (about “forty percent” success in her words), and recounts trying to generate an image for a white paper and getting irrelevant outputs (a “rose” instead of the intended interconnected GROWING acronym). Angela links this back to knowledge-seeking and prompting skill development. Angela says she’s developing a free app that will let people upload resumes to visualize their skill stacks; she invites listeners to get on the list. She gives her contact info: the website stackingyourcareer.com, LinkedIn (Angela Finlay), and a YouTube channel called Stacking Your Career where she posts videos about the concepts. Jeff repeats the site and they discuss audiences and career planning briefly: Jeff references the FIRE movement (financial independence/retire early) as context for needing ways to make money; Angela stresses building and tracking transferrable skills so people can pivot across a long career span, mentioning the idea of a “sixty year career” and the U-shaped curve of happiness (listeners are told people burn out or are bored after many years and should plan to pivot). The interview wraps up with Jeff thanking Angela for the conversation and inviting her back. Angela agrees. Jeff jokes about “skill building” to end the recording. Tim Paige’s outro thanks listeners, points them to the show notes at vvveer.com (transcribed as “v v veer dot com / triple v v double e r dot com”), and signs off. Connections Website

Michael Brooks of Nuclear Chowder Marketing started out in IT...but quickly learned he wasn't very good at it...he was good with people, selling, and getting jobs.  Mike has had a fascinating life with loads of veers....not so much vrooming. Vrooming with Corporate IT Support job Installing windows, working trouble tickets...not really good at it. His boss told him that he wasn't very good at IT Switched to working a sales support role in IT...which Mike really liked. Tried his hand at programming...didn't like it. He found out he was more creative, working with people and selling...also great at getting jobs. Veer for Y2K Tons of IT jobs supporting Y2K. Got into web application development a little. Martial Arts School Veer His friend who owned a Martial Arts School started asking him "business" questions...even though he didn't have a clue. He started working with his friend as an adviser. One day, his buddy gave him a Dan Kennedy a marketing tape (cassette tape). Grandfather has a heart attack at Mike's Wedding Grand mom moves in while grandpa is in recovery His 12 year-old cousin died of congenital heart disease. Totally rocked Mike's world. Mike was in the Air Force, but was never in the Air Force He graduated high school barely, by the skin of a "D". He dropped out of community college. He joins the Air Force as an Administrative Specialist and is waiting to depart for basic training in the delayed enlisted program. Before he can leave for basic, he is in a serious motorcycle accident. His recruiter does the wrong thing and tells Mike to report to basic training without telling anyone about his accident. Mike was in too much pain to complete basic training, so he left and never went back. Links Nuclear Chower @MichaelSBrooks on Twitter

This is one of my favorite episodes.  I learned about about me and my current thoughts on MY career and work.  I learned that I'm done with my "career" and mostly in pre-retirement wind down phase.  You might learn something about you as well. Mac Prichard is the founder and publisher of Mac's List, an online community for people looking for rewarding, creative, and meaningful work. More than 80,000 people a month visit the site, which includes a job board, a blog, and courses about the nuts and bolts of job hunting and career management. A leading career expert, Mac helps people who are looking for a job during all of life's transitions: millennials getting a first job, midlife professionals switching sectors, parents getting back to work after raising a family, or baby boomers who want to change careers. Mac is proud to own two registered B-Corp companies, which use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems. His is the author of "Land your Dream Job Anywhere" and hosts the weekly podcast, Find Your Dream Job. Mac Prichard Vroom Veer Stories Why we need to get off the computer and talk to people before we interview 8 of 10 jobs are never listed on job boards, those are filled through "word of mouth" How to get an "informational interview" with someone in your field Why building relationships should come become you send a resume; and how to "give first" Volunteering in groups related to your desired field can help you build real relationships Finding a great job is a skill that we all need to learn and continually hone Networking doesn't have to feel icky, if you ask the person how you can help them Mac Prichard Connections macslist.orgLinkedinFacebookTwitter

Pratima Aravabhoomi is an amazing person to talk to...perfect for my show. Willing to discuss all the little struggles that we ALL go through, but never share on social media (wonder why?).  That's ok, take a break from swiping for all while and check out another Best of VVV that you might have missed. Pratima Aravabhoomi (pronounced pruh-TEE-muh AH-ruh-VAH-BHOO-mee) is a designer, quote expert and the founder of CraftStreetDesign.com. She is on a mission to help you achieve your goals, be happy, and pass on the inspiration to everyone around you through her designs. Pratima Aravabhoomi Vroom Veer Stories In India, didn't really like school too much, but loved to learn In college, only attended one math class, skipped all the others At age 20, got married through an arrangement; moved from India to Alabama Later, words saved her life when she had thoughts of suicide; helped her think things through Job of a lifetime offer rescinded because she failed a mandatory fire safety test Re-married and moved to Silicon Valley; worked at Apple as a consultant; didn't drink the cool aid Inspired by the words that saved her life; created Craft Street Design creating beautiful inspirational words Pratima Aravabhoomi Links Artist Page InstaGram

Lama Kathy Wesley (Lama Gyurme Chötsö) has been a student of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche since 1977.  She participated in the first three-year retreat led by Khenpo Rinpoche at Karmé Ling Retreat Center in upstate New York, and thus earned the  title of 'retreat lama.' Now, as a lama, Kathy serves at the Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling as its practice coordinator, and travels to other Buddhist centers throughout the country to teach. Kathy is a graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives in Newark, Ohio with her husband, Michael Wesley. Lama Kathy Wesley Vroom Veer Stories We share stories of our shared loved of nature in childhood growing up in the Midwest, Lama Kathy in Ohio, and Michigan for me. Lama Kathy talks a little bit about being raised in the Catholic tradition and feeling the spirit of christ during childhood. During College, Lama Kathy was pretty stressed out and was looking for way to alleviate that stress and found Yoga.  This was her first introduction to eastern spiritual traditions and teaching. After college she started working close to home as a journalist.  She had an opportunity to interview a Tibetan monk (Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche) for her newspaper. After the interview Lama Kathy asked about learning about Buddhism, when he predicted that someday Kathy would "leave it all behind" meaning her stressful job, and attend a retreat...turned out he was right, but someday was 15 years later. Kathy attend a 3-year retreat thinking that when it was over she would go back to work, but instead she became a retreat lama and teacher. We talk about we her day-to-day life is as a Lama, which is much like a parish priest or Lutheran pastor. We chat about the benefits of meditation and how after some time in the practice, you begin to see your behavior and authentically want to behave better, which was my experience. Lama Kathy Wesley Links Lama Kathy's Website Be Here Now - by Ram Das Grist for the Mill - by Ram Das Find out more about Lama Kathy's Lineage at kagyu.org Book:  Dharma Paths,  by Khenpo Karthar

Dr. Carri Drzyzga (Driz’ ga) is internationally known as ‘The Functional Medicine Doc’ – the go-to expert on finding the root causes of health problems so you can feel normal again. She is a chiropractor and naturopathic doctor, host of the popular podcast “The Functional Medicine Radio Show”, and author of the hit book "Reclaim Your Energy and Feel Normal Again! Fixing the Root Cause of Your Fatigue with Natural Treatments". Dr. Carri’s newest program is a home study course called "Entrepreneurial Fatigue: How to Fuel Your Brain & Body for Entrepreneurial Success". Her private practice is Functional Medicine Ontario located in Ottawa, Ontario. Dr. Carri Drzyzga Vroom/Veer Stories Working as a Chiropractor and not really liking it Veering back to school in Chicago, moving from Canada to become a naturopathic doctor. Dr. Carri tells her story about how after College in Chicago, she thought she just needed some time off to rest up Turns out she was her own first patient, she had to figure out what was taking away her energy We talk about some of Dr. Carri's patients and their stories Some of the "usual suspects that can cause fatigue" are: Anemia Thyroid Problems Cortisol Imbalance Blood Sugar Imbalance Nutrient Deficiencies Chronic Infections Hidden Food Allergies & Sensitivities Vitamin R, Rest, Relax, Recreation Reframe "exercise" as FUN that is also active...whatever that is for you. Meditation (like Sam Harris) Yoga (if that is fun for you) Boxing (Dr. Carri loves to beat up punching bags) Dr. Carri Drzyzga Links Dr. Carri's Web Site Dr. Carri on Facebook

Texas-based rock singer-songwriter Mark Winters is many things; a witty poet, passionate musician, entrepreneur, optimist, family man, and a bonafide rocket scientist. He first picked up a guitar to play a song for his wife on their anniversary. That’s when he discovered the joy of connecting with people through music. Mark combines music, poetry, a science background, and love for his community to form his signature sound, “rock with a positive vibe.”His musical roots are in rock, blues rock, and pop, and John Mayer, Tom Petty, and Jason Mraz are significant influences. “My music starts from a place of poetry and creative inspiration, and I use my ‘rocket-scientist brain’ to find structures that help me explore that initial burst of inspiration and feeling – like writing haikus, my favorite! My grandmother taught me to express myself through poetry and I'm thankful to her for setting me on this creative and expressive path.”Mark has a degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering, and his math and science background guides his musical explorations. He likes taking complex things such as emotions and expressing them in a way that's easy to understand. Balancing his right-brained creativity with his analytical left-brain is part of a life-long journey; music is one more place where he can explore this balance. Mark Winters Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary Jeffery and Mark discussed Mark's music career and upcoming tours. Mark shared details about his "Good Vibes Highway Tour" in the spring and a fall tour, as well as plans to release new music in March and May. He expressed his passion for both music and his previous career as an aerospace engineer, describing how music has become a fulfilling passion project for him. Mark's Diverse Interests and Career Mark shared his diverse background, including his studies as an aerospace engineer and his passion for poetry, which he pursued as a personal hobby with his grandmother. He discussed his work in the aerospace industry, including his experience with simulation design and training for projects like the Apache and F-16 aircraft. Mark also mentioned his appreciation for music and how it played a significant role in his life, regardless of the activity he was engaged in. Mark's Guitar Learning Journey Mark shared his personal story of taking up guitar playing in 2011 as a New Year's resolution to play a song for his wife's anniversary. He approached Steve at Smack Guitars, who agreed to teach him both playing and singing, despite Mark's complete lack of musical experience. Mark chose to learn "What You Give" by Tesla, a song that resonated with him about giving rather than receiving, though he acknowledged it was challenging both to play and sing. Music's Power to Connect Mark shared his experience of learning to play guitar and performing a song for his wife at a restaurant, which led to a profound emotional connection and realization of music's power to create meaningful experiences. He described how he initially struggled with remembering chords and lyrics simultaneously but found a creative solution by hiding them inside an anniversary card. The story concluded with Mark reflecting on how this experience in 2011 changed his perspective on music as a powerful means of connection, prompting him to continue learning guitar. Forming the Band Agave Report Mark shared his experience of forming a band called Agave Report with Manish, a talented musician he met who played guitar and sang beautifully. They recruited a drummer and bass player to form a garage band, with Mark initially taking on the role of lead guitarist and backing vocalist. The band played eclectic covers including songs by The Doors, Eagles, and modern artists like Neon Trees, performing their first show in 2014 or 2015. Mark's Musical Journey and Adaptation Mark shared his musical journey, starting with a band where he struggled to sing certain songs due to personal reasons, leading him to write his own music in 2018. He released his first album in 2019 and faced challenges during a tour when COVID-19 hit, but adapted by performing online. Post-COVID, he focused on acoustic music and connected with other singer-songwriters, eventually growing his audience and performing at venues like the House of Blues Bronze Peacock Room in Houston. Mark emphasized the importance of connecting with his audience and the positive impact his music has had on people's lives. Music Industry Challenges and Opportunities Mark discussed his experiences as a musician, particularly in Houston and Las Vegas, noting the challenges small to mid-sized venues face due to economic viability issues post-COVID. He highlighted the need for musicians to be versatile and self-sufficient, mentioning the importance of community engagement and the DIY approach in the current music industry. Connections Mark Winters Music

Chanda Coston, is a business strategist and coach dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs in the third quarter of life create businesses that truly reflect and support their current season. Her work centers on clarity and confidence instead of burnout, offering straightforward systems so women can reclaim their vision and thrive. With over two decades in corporate strategy, extensive entrepreneurship, and a background as a USN veteran and mother to five, she knows what it’s like to navigate new directions after life changes. She guided more than 100 women to build businesses that fit where they are now, using focused project management, automation, and actionable steps. Chanda Coston Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary Overcoming Adversity Through Education Chanda Coston discussed her journey from a challenging upbringing in Hampton Roads, Virginia, to becoming a business strategist and coach for women over 40. She shared her experiences of dropping out of high school at 15, obtaining a GED through Job Corps, and later joining the Navy as an aviation storekeeper, where she earned an associate's and bachelor's degree. Chanda also talked about leaving an abusive marriage and using the military's educational benefits to further her education. She emphasized her passion for helping others transition into entrepreneurship and viewed her own experiences as a testament to overcoming adversity. From Military to Entrepreneurial Mentorship Chanda shared her career journey from the military to government contracting and eventually starting her own firm, which she had to pivot from when she lost her brother to gun violence. She established a nonprofit in response to this tragedy, which led her to explore mentorship and coaching. Chanda discussed her professional background in logistics, engineering, and project management, and the challenges of transitioning from a corporate to an entrepreneurial mindset. She also described the devastating story of her brother's murder and the subsequent lack of justice in the case, which deeply affected her and her family. Trauma and the Pursuit of Justice Chanda shared her experience of a traumatic event involving her brother's murder, which was initially pursued as a case but was later dismissed due to witness intimidation. She expressed frustration and anger over the justice system's failure to prosecute the perpetrator, despite the evidence and her willingness to relive the trauma for justice. Chanda concluded by reflecting on the importance of love and support, emphasizing that love often requires selflessness and sacrifice. Government Contracting Career Transition Jeffery and Chanda discussed Chanda's military background and transition to government contracting and coaching. Chanda shared her experience as an aviation storekeeper in the Navy and her subsequent career in consulting and contracting. They explored the challenges of starting a business and the importance of building relationships in the government contracting sector. Connections Website

Adele Spraggon is an award-winning author, thought leader, and internationally recognized expert in personal development, mindset transformation, and neuroplasticity. With a deep understanding of behavioral change, she helps individuals break free from self-sabotaging patterns and rewire their thinking for success. Adele’s innovative four-step approach, rooted in neuroscience, empowers people to shift their mindset and achieve lasting transformation. She has received numerous accolades, including the Woman of Inspiration: Customer Experience Award and Top Behavioral Expert of the Year. As a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer, she inspires audiences worldwide to embrace change and unlock their full potential. Adele is the author of Shift: 4 Steps to Personal Empowerment, a best-selling guide to overcoming mental roadblocks and achieving personal breakthroughs. Passionate about guiding people toward a more fulfilling life, she continues to make a profound impact through her coaching and thought leadership. Adele Spraggon Vroom Vroom Veer Summary Adele discussed her business growth, including her decision to train facilitators, which represents a significant step toward creating a lasting legacy. She shared her personal journey, including her upbringing in Venezuela and her current dual citizenship as a British and Canadian citizen. Adele expressed excitement about transitioning into retirement while ensuring her business continues to thrive. Childhood Experiences with Mental Illness Adele discussed her childhood in Venezuela, where her mother, struggling with a mentally ill husband, moved with their three young daughters to a new country. Adele attended school in Ontario, Canada, where she faced self-esteem issues. They explored how mental illness medications were less effective in the past, with Adele's father being diagnosed with various conditions including bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia. The conversation concluded with a discussion about brain chemistry and overdose prevention, drawing parallels to addiction rituals and the body's natural protective mechanisms. Overcoming Trauma and Finding Fulfillment Adele shared her journey from surviving high school to pursuing accounting despite lacking self-esteem, influenced by childhood trauma. She described her career transition from accounting to running a daycare, which she found fulfilling despite the challenges. Adele also mentioned her struggle with panic attacks and her decision to seek therapy, eventually leading her to write a book about behavior change and the human subconscious. Self-Discovery Technique for Panic Attacks Adele shared her personal journey of overcoming panic attacks and other behavioral issues through a process of self-discovery and reprogramming. She explained how she transformed her understanding of her brain's patterns and developed a technique involving four steps to address and rewire negative thought processes. Adele successfully applied this method to eliminate her panic attacks and quitting behavior, and she later decided to teach this technique to others by gathering 13 friends in her basement to share her approach. Meditation Research and Brain Studies Adele and Jeffery discussed the effectiveness of a four-step meditation process, with Adele sharing her extensive meditation experience and Jeffery exploring how meditation can enhance sensory awareness. They agreed on the potential benefits of using fMRI technology to study brain changes during the meditation process, with Adele mentioning a former participant who is now pursuing a PhD to conduct research on the four steps. Empowerment Technique and Practice Adele shared a technique for personal empowerment involving four steps: identifying a pattern of physical sensation, emotion, and thought without judgment; acknowledging that one created their reality; deconstructing the pattern; and creating a new pattern. She emphasized that this process, similar to exercise, requires daily practice and takes about 6 weeks for the brain to adapt. Adele encouraged Jeffery to try the technique, which is detailed in her free book available at shift4steps.com. Morning Routines Jeffery shared his morning routine tips, including getting morning sunlight before 10 AM, taking electrolytes with water, and delaying coffee for 90 minutes to improve sleep and reduce cortisol levels. Connections Website Shift4steps.com - Free copy of Adele's book

Chris Parker is the founder of WhatIsMyIPaddress.com, the number one IP address lookup website. Chris started the website in January 2000 and for the first five years his revenue didn't even cover his internet bill. In 2014, Chris was laid off from his corporate job and was faced with the scary opportunity to make his website a full-time business. Chris Parker Vroom Veer Stories Grew up in Tustin California and has lived within a 10 mile radius of home his whole life Went to Cal State Fullerton for about a year; not a great student--then attend the local community college for more years he wants to disclose; quit school when he realized his part time job was paying more than the what college grads were earning Worked in sales for a company called "Club Mac" selling Macintosh computers via a mail order catalog and in-person; not a great salesman; was talking people into buying cheaper computers Worked on IT and web stuff near the birth of the internet for Club Mac; at that time there wasn't an easy way to figure out your public IP address He build a server out of spare parts and set it up in his house to run the first version of WhatismyIPaddress.com.  No graphics, it just returned the IP address. At some point he was getting alerts telling him the harddrive was nearly full; the traffic logs were building up Verion .1:  He offered to answer questions via email; he just the email traffic to generate a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list A few years later Google Adsense call along; and decided to throw up a banner ad and it made a little bit of money; neat! Warning!  Geek Content!:  The server ran in Chris's house from pre-google time until 2014; he had a half rack server with UPS's in case of power outage and a very high electric bill trying to keep the house under 90 degrees and he was spending way too much money paying for internet bandwidth His wife points out that it might not be the best idea to have all the business assets in their house; a break in would effectively kill the business Strange as it sounds there were about six co-location facilities in Tustin within 1 mile of his house; bring your server there and plug it into their facility and you rent power, bandwidth, HVAC, and security. In 2014 he was selling life insurance online; the economy tanked and people were getting laid off work; Chris was asked to transition from full to part time Went back to full time for a while; but eventually he was let go entirely; Should I get a job or work full time on the website business? They experimented with working on the business for six months; which made enough to keep going---he has now replaced his job income with the business revenue Version .2 of the website, no graphics, bar on top, bar on bottom and a wall of text Version .3 he hired a graphic designer to make the site look much better GRAPHICS! Version .4 hired a couple of content writers to create blog content related to online security and internet privacy How important it is to use a VPN (virtual private network) to secure your internet connection; most businesses out there don't know how to secure their network and the ones that do are breached all the time On a trip to Taiwan from Sinapore his wife gets sick; in the airport in Taiwan there was a medical station using an infrared "fever detector" to find sick people and put them in quarantine; Chris noticed in time to put himself the detector and his wife and they made through Barf bag of the month club for dog owners who get queasy when picking up dog poo; start collecting those barf bags from airplanes You can verify that your VPN is working on Chris's site; you can also verify the country of an IP address; helpful to verify an internet order before you ship Chris Parker Connections Website - WhatismyIPAddress.com

Lauren Gaggioli is the founder of Higher Scores Test Prep – an online SAT & ACT test prep company – and host of The College Checklist Podcast. Lauren is also the founder of Gold Star Test Prep, an in-home SAT & ACT tutoring company. With Gold Star, I’ve been serving families throughout Southern California for 7 years. She is a beer geek, a tech nerd and one of my new favorite people. Check her out on Twitter. Lauren Gaggioli Vroom Veer Stories In High School she was really prepping for College totally in Vroom mode She veered to NYU school of theater, which was very different from her roots as an academic roots. She didn't feel like she belonged in the community of actors. She finished her bachelor's degree in 3 years and then moved back to Southern California to pursue acting. Veer away from acting and returned to her roots as an academic. She started working as a SAT/ACT tutor as a job. Veered away from "employee" and started her own SAT/ACT tutoring company Learned how to do most of her tutoring online, so she spends significantly less time driving from client to client Lauren Gaggioli Links Lauren's Web Page Higher Scores Test Prep The College Checklist Podcast Gold Star Test Prep Jimmy Fallon "Ew" Video That Guy…Who was in That Thing… Robert Patrick on Nerdist Podcast Buffer App for Social Media Social Ommph Chris Brogan Subscribe = Love :-D

Dr. Will Haas, MD, MBA is redefining what it means to age well. He is the Founder and CEO of VYVE Wellness in Charlotte, NC, where he helps high-achieving professionals reclaim energy, focus, and vitality through cellular optimization. Board-certified in Integrative and Family Medicine, Dr. Haas blends advanced therapies—IV nutrient infusions, therapeutic peptides, hyperbaric oxygen, and red light therapy—to deliver measurable results that help patients feel decades younger. Beyond VYVE, he co-founded OvulifeMD, creating natural fertility protocols, and serves as Chief Medical Officer at Infusive, supporting wellness practices nationwide. His expertise has been featured in Men’sJournal, Daily Mail, Yahoo Life, and Woman’s World Magazine. Passionate about bridging science with practical results, Dr. Haas empowers high-performers who want more than just longevity—they want their best years ahead of them. Dr. Will Haas Vroom Vroom Veer Summary Journey to Integrative Medicine William shared his journey from medical school to finding his passion in integrative medicine, which focuses on using a variety of healing modalities to optimize health. He initially struggled with the conventional approach to medicine, which primarily focuses on treating diseases, and decided to pursue business studies during his medical training. However, a personal loss led him to fulfill his father's dying wish to complete his medical degree. William eventually found his calling in integrative medicine, which he believes should be the standard approach to healthcare, combining the best of conventional and alternative treatments. Cellular Optimization and Health Strategies Jeffery and William discussed the concept of cellular optimization and the importance of addressing toxins and oxidative stress in the body. They explored how factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, and environmental exposure can contribute to cellular damage and reduced energy levels. Jeffery shared his personal experience of reducing sugar and processed foods intake, which led to improved health and well-being. They also touched on the idea of getting a CT scan for a calcium score as part of a proactive approach to prevent heart attacks. Cardiovascular Health Assessment Strategies Jeffery and William discussed cardiovascular health, diagnostic tests, and therapeutic peptides. William explained the importance of assessing inflammation levels, homocysteine, and other markers to evaluate heart attack risk. They talked about the benefits of advanced lipid panels and the role of Apo B and oxidized LDL in predicting cardiovascular events. William shared a success story of a patient who improved his health through dietary changes, gut healing, and IV nutrient therapies. They also briefly discussed the potential of therapeutic peptides under medical supervision. Connections Website

Photo Credit: Leah Muse Meghan Cathlin is a writer, speaker, and founder of Considerate Ventures. For over 25 years, she has been a trusted advisor to authors, celebrities, CEOs, and dignitaries, in high-stakes environments and heart-centered missions. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her son Greyson and their two dogs, Lucy and Django. Meghan Cathlin Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary Journey of Healing and Resilience Meghan Cathlin, author of "Leading with the Heart," discussed her journey of personal growth and resilience following the loss of her father to suicide at a young age. She shared how this experience shaped her worldview and inspired her book, which combines memoir and prescriptive elements. Meghan also highlighted her current projects, including writing her next book and supporting clients through her agency, Considerate Ventures. The conversation explored themes of healing, self-compassion, and finding meaning in life's challenges. Overcoming Poverty and Bullying Meghan shared her experiences growing up in poverty and the impact it had on her mental health and social life. She discussed how she was open about her struggles, which helped her cope but also made her a target for bullying. Meghan described the challenges of dealing with mean girls in elementary school and the deteriorating situation at home, including her sister's rebellion and attempts at suicide. The conversation touched on the universal reasons behind bullying and the importance of resilience in overcoming difficult experiences. Overcoming Challenges to Success Meghan shared her personal journey, which began with dropping out of school at age 12 and engaging in rebellious behavior, including drinking and experimenting with drugs. She eventually found success through a job at a jewelry supply store, which led her to pursue a career in the music industry as a concert promoter. Despite not receiving a traditional education, Meghan was able to earn a high school diploma by working part-time and completing assignments on Fridays. Education and Knowledge Gaps Jeffery and Meghan discussed the importance of education and how reading, even fiction, can fill knowledge gaps. They also talked about the stigma associated with not having a high school diploma and the value of obtaining one. Meghan shared her experience working in the concert promotion industry in the late 1990s, before it became more centralized. Career Journeys and Personal Motivation Meghan shared her career journey from working at a rock concert promotion company to a corporate event agency, where she learned different aspects of event management. She discussed her personal motivation, which was driven by a desire to prove herself after facing judgment and bullying during her childhood. Jeffery shared his academic experience, noting his natural ability to succeed in subjects like science and English without much effort, which he attributed to his parents' work-hard-play-hard values. Journey to Authentic Success Meghan shared her journey from an aggressive pursuit of success to finding a more fulfilling path through personal growth and coaching. She discussed her book "Leading with the Heart," which explores the disconnect between societal success metrics and true happiness. Meghan emphasized the importance of listening to one's heart by recognizing what brings joy (YES!) and avoiding activities that drain energy (Uhgs). She also highlighted the need to balance authenticity with practical responsibilities. Connections MeghanCathlin.com Considerate Ventures

Dr. Thomas Recher helps individuals with hearing impairment sharpen their ability to communicate and in some instances reconnect to the world of sound. Right before he began college, Dr. Tom's brother sat him down and said, "To live a fulfilled life, find a career in life that you would love waking up to every morning - where it doesn't feel like work" Nine years later, Dr. Tom successfully obtained his doctorate and opened a private practice in audiology right out of school. The road was bumpy, but with the assistance of great mentors and the power of positivity, he celebrated the office's one year anniversary this past September. Now he's also the host of a podcast called The Positivity Effect. He quickly realized the importance of mentors in his life and now he wants to pay it forward. Dr. Tom is inviting everyone to join him in creating a ripple effect of positivity in the world. Dr. Thomas Recher Vroom Veer Stories Started out in accounting for his under-graduate degree...then walked out of a class and had to change his major Changed his Major to Speech and Language Pathology, which was better...but not quite right Finally found the world of audiology, helping people with hearing impairments Teamed up with this friend, who happened to be a Chiropractor who ran his own business for 10+ years Launched his own business right out of college and has been working at for a year now Launches his on podcast "The Positivity Effect" on 23 Nov to spread the word on the benefits of a positive mindset We talk about how important mentors are in his life and how even mentors you never meet can change your life. Dr. Thomas Recher Links Website

Cat Rose helps creative introverts reach their goals through coaching, online programs, step-by-step guides and my online membership community the League of Creative Introverts. Cat Rose Vroom Veer Stories Feeling thoroughly drained at an office job, didn't know why Quit job to start freelance work; but first took a trip to Japan Learning that introverts use energy when interacting with large groups people Helping introverts sell their art in ways that feel good to an introvert Why Japanese people put non-sense English words on products Why heated toilet seats in Japan are essential Accidentally walking into someone's home looking for an Osen (hot bath) oops! Cat Rose Links The Creative Introvert The League of Creative Introverts