Direct or Detour

Drake Wolfe aged out of foster care with nothing—no home, no guidance, no plan. Today, he runs an AI empire powered by 150+ autonomous agents, with zero employees, and a mission to end the aging-out crisis for foster youth in America. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Drake shares how faith, execution, and radical automation helped him build Optimize AI, Agentix, and his parent company, Omnexion—all while launching a nonprofit, Foster the Future Foundation. If you’re curious about AI-driven businesses, faceless branding, or turning adversity into impact, this episode delivers.

🎯 Guest: Drake Wolfe

🌐 Website: htt...

John Hankins didn’t just retire—he reinvented himself. After 35 years in tech and a lifetime of financial experience, John became a certified financial therapist at age 71. Now, he helps others—especially those approaching or in retirement—unravel the emotional knots tied to money. In this episode, John shares what financial therapy really is, how he blended social work with tech expertise, and why it’s never too late to build a life that actually matters.

We also dive into how John’s journey—from social services in West Philly to IBM’s cloud division to a personal cancer...

Elijah Khan’s journey is anything but ordinary. From struggling to make ends meet as a working actor to building Accentify, a breakthrough app helping people master accents, Elijah has turned rejection and hardship into innovation and opportunity.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Elijah shares how he transitioned from the grind of London’s acting scene to launching a tech startup during the pandemic—and why solving a problem he personally experienced became his mission. We dive into his time as a mountaineer, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, and a determined founder who’s now scaling a busine...

Chris Scott's journey from Minor League Baseball umpire to startup survivor to founder of Boschetto is anything but traditional. In this episode, Chris shares how injury forced him to pivot, how burnout taught him to rebuild smarter, and why he coined the term Execution Debt™ to describe the hidden costs killing company momentum. His story is packed with sharp insights, tough detours, and a whole lot of clarity for anyone scaling a business or chasing a dream.

📍 Guest: Chris Scott

💼 Founder, Boschetto | Creator of Execution Debt™

🌐 Website: https://www.b...

What does it take to turn pain into power? In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Cam F Awesome — 12x national boxing champion, former Team USA captain, and resilience keynote speaker — shares his powerful journey from being a bullied, anxious kid to becoming one of the most decorated amateur boxers in U.S. history.

After losing his Olympic dream due to a paperwork technicality, Cam didn’t quit — he reinvented himself. Hear how he turned setbacks into strength, self-doubt into self-talk, and built a career inspiring thousands through humor, grit, and mindset mastery.

Learn...

What do punk-folk music, children's cartoons, and Google's AI have in common? One man: Jason Barnard.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Jason shares his extraordinary career journey—from touring Europe as a double bassist in a folk-punk band to starring in a global children’s cartoon, and eventually becoming a leading expert in digital brand perception and AI search behavior.

Now known as The Brand SERP Guy, Jason is the CEO of Kalicube, where he helps individuals and companies strategically manage how they appear on Google and AI platforms like Chat...

Hersh Rephun's journey defies every straight path you've ever seen. From screenwriting and stand-up comedy to launching a sneaker marketing agency and now helping entrepreneurs craft authentic personal brands—his story is a masterclass in embracing the detours. In this episode, Hersh opens up about losing a business during COVID, uncovering deeper truths through meditation and quantum consciousness, and building a career as a Holistic Brand Therapist. If you've ever struggled to align your work with your purpose, this one’s for you.

We dive into:

Vince Quinn went from spinning prize wheels at radio station events to hosting his own nationally syndicated show across 225 stations—then walked away. Why? Because the future wasn’t on air—it was in podcasting. Now as Co-Founder and Creative Director of SBX Productions, Vince helps business owners launch strategic, value-driven podcasts that actually move the needle.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Vince shares how he hustled his way into radio, why the industry left him wanting more, and how he transitioned into helping others build powerful podcast platforms. Whether you're a podcaster, a business owner...

What if the thing holding you back isn’t time—but focus?

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, I sit down with Cindy Baker, Productivity Coach, Speaker, and founder of Cindy Baker Coaching. After a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, Cindy realized she wasn’t just procrastinating—she was unknowingly trading her dreams for distraction. Now, she teaches entrepreneurs how to manage their focus, not their time, using ADHD-friendly strategies that work for every busy brain.

We talk about Cindy’s journey from overwhelmed educator to empowered business owner, why “pills aren’t skills,” and h...

What does it take to grow a multimillion-dollar tech firm, own a 400-acre organic farm, and still find time to launch a new social media platform? In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Brian sits down with serial entrepreneur Dom Pereira—better known as @AskDomThat—to explore his incredible journey from growing up undocumented in Philly to closing $25M in contracts with his tech company GCN.

Dom opens up about the grind of bootstrapping a business without access to financial aid, scaling a tech company while learning business on the fly, investing in real estate, and his unex...

After 16 years producing hit shows for MTV and E! News, Shannon Russell made the bold decision to stop "producing for others"—and start producing her own life. In this episode, Shannon shares how motherhood and a brutal commute sparked her pivot from the entertainment industry to becoming a successful entrepreneur and CEO of Second Act Success® Coaching. Now a business coach, speaker, and podcast host, she helps women craft fulfilling second acts and launch purpose-driven businesses.

We dive into Shannon’s career journey, how she overcame the fear of change, and why it’s never too late to rein...

Alykhan Jetha—known as AJ—is the CEO of Marketcircle Inc., creators of the all-in-one CRM and productivity platform Daylite.app. In this episode, AJ shares his powerful journey from being a child refugee to building a multimillion-dollar software company—without outside funding.

Discover how he overcame early challenges, navigated multiple pivots, and stayed focused on long-term growth in a rapidly evolving tech world. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or scaling a small business, AJ’s story is packed with insights on mindset, resilience, and building tools that grow with you.

🔗 Connect with AJ:

John Brink’s life began in the chaos of Nazi-occupied Holland and evolved into an 84-year (and counting) story of relentless ambition, resilience, and reinvention. In this episode of Direct Or Detour, John shares his journey from foraging for food during the Hunger Winter to founding North America’s leading secondary wood products manufacturer—all with just $25.47 in his pocket when he arrived in Canada.

Now the CEO of 10 thriving companies, a champion bodybuilder, published author, and ADHD advocate, John talks with Brian about the mindset and work ethic that kept him moving forward, even when the odds w...

At 70 years young, Dale Kershner is far from slowing down—in fact, he’s just getting started. In this powerful conversation, Dale shares how he walked away from law school, dove into early tech and automation, and eventually found his true calling: coaching human beings toward peak performance.

With 43+ years of experience working with individuals, entrepreneurs, and global companies, Dale brings wisdom, wit, and raw honesty to the mic. From programming robotic machines in the 1980s to guiding C-suite leaders across cultures, Dale’s journey is a masterclass in evolving with purpose.

Whethe...

What happens when a seasoned corporate innovator launches a side business—and it fails hard? In this episode of Direct Or Detour, author and entrepreneur William Holsten unpacks the highs and “Uh-Oh!” moments of his unconventional journey. From leading global innovation workshops to inventing backyard carnival games, William’s path is filled with creativity, risk, and resilience. He shares how a business misstep nearly derailed everything—and how it inspired his new book, UH-OH! Avoid Unintentional Blunders that Derail Entrepreneurial Success. Discover 10 powerful tools he now uses to help entrepreneurs goof-proof their businesses and turn setbacks into stepping stones.

🎙 Gue...

What happens when a French boat rental entrepreneur abandons it all to pursue a calling across the ocean? In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Dr. Alain Salas shares his riveting transformation from living on a sailboat in the south of France to becoming a sought-after chiropractic physician and creator of the Mind Clearing System.

After hitting rock bottom with burnout, divorce, and a cancer diagnosis, Alain discovered a powerful 3-step process to break limiting beliefs and reclaim health, harmony, and prosperity. Now, with over 4,000 lives changed, he’s teaching others how to tap into the healing po...

What does it take to survive the ups and downs of entrepreneurship? Michael Ritsema, CEO of i3 Business Solutions, shares his incredible journey from near bankruptcy in 2001 to leading a thriving technology and cybersecurity firm today. From the challenges of sales, business pivots, and economic downturns to acquiring multiple companies and managing cyber risks, Mike’s story is filled with resilience, strategy, and lessons for business owners at any stage.

Tune in to hear about the defining moments that shaped his success, the role of mentorship and peer groups in his journey, and his insights into cybersecurity ri...

What do music, freelancing, and digital marketing have in common? For Matt Diamante, they were all stepping stones in his journey to launching HeyTony, a thriving marketing agency.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Matt shares how he went from playing in a band to studying advertising, landing (and quitting) multiple jobs, launching a website with investors, burning through his savings on a two-month adventure, and ultimately building a successful business on his own terms.

His path wasn’t linear, but every step led him closer to finding what truly worked fo...

How does a molecular biologist pivot to becoming a sought-after professional photographer? In this episode of Direct Or Detour, we sit down with Jasmeet Singh, the founder of 415Headshots Inc., a premier headshot photography studio with locations in San Francisco and Sacramento. Jasmeet shares his fascinating journey from the lab to the lens, blending scientific precision with creative artistry to help professionals craft their personal brands.

Discover how he transitioned from science to entrepreneurship, the challenges of switching industries, and the insights he’s gained from capturing thousands of faces. Whether you're considering a career shift or wa...

How do you go from being overworked and overwhelmed to building a business that runs without you? Madi Waggoner, founder of Building Remote, knows firsthand what it takes to step away from the daily grind and create a company designed for freedom.

In this episode, Madi shares her journey—from struggling with burnout to helping entrepreneurs fire themselves from the day-to-day. She reveals the pivotal moments that led her to consulting, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she’s learned from working with 40+ businesses across industries. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about recl...

What does it take to rise from the depths of adversity and build a thriving business? Tracy Brinkmann knows the answer firsthand. After facing personal and financial devastation—including addiction, divorce, bankruptcy, and the heartbreaking loss of his young daughter—Tracy turned his life around. Now, as The Dark Horse Entrepreneur, he helps driven parental entrepreneurs and coaches crystallize and monetize their passions to scale their businesses.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Tracy shares his hard-earned wisdom on resilience, success, and the mindset shifts necessary to overcome life’s toughest challenges. Tune in as we dive i...

How do you turn an industry gap into a thriving business? Michael Cole, President of Next Level Technician, shares his journey from telecom distribution to founding a company that’s reshaping the staffing landscape for skilled technicians. Recognized on Charlotte Business Journal’s Fast 50 list for two consecutive years and a contestant-turned-judge on The Blox, Michael has mastered the art of bridging talent with opportunity. Tune in as we discuss his entrepreneurial path, the challenges of scaling a business, and his passion for empowering professionals in the tech industry.

🔗 Connect with Michael Cole & Next Level Technician:

🌐 Web...

Embarking on a broadcasting career often means facing numerous challenges, and Marc Schmidt knows this journey well. As a podcast host and producer, Marc has overcome significant obstacles to establish himself in the media industry. In this episode of Direct Or Detour, he shares his inspiring story, the hurdles he encountered, and the insights gained along the way.​

🔗 Connect with Marc Schmidt:

🚀 Interested in being a guest? Connect on PodMatch:

👉 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/directordetour

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In this episode of Direct Or Detour, we sit down with Adam Torres, Co-Founder of Mission Matters Media, a top-ranked podcasting and media brand dedicated to elevating the voices of entrepreneurs, executives, and experts. As a prolific author, international speaker, and media strategist, Adam shares how he built a platform that reaches millions, helping business leaders tell their stories through podcasts, branding, and book publishing.

From his early days in finance to becoming a recognized media powerhouse featured in Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fox Business, and more, Adam reveals the strategies behind growing a successful content empire in...

Eric Burns began his career as a Cincinnati Firefighter, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to the world of real estate investing. Starting with a student housing rental in 2016, Eric transitioned from residential to commercial real estate, ultimately founding Flowers Capital. He now guides fellow entrepreneurs toward financial freedom through passive income strategies. In this episode, Eric shares his transformative journey, the challenges he faced, and his philosophy of living life bullish.

🔗 Connect with Eric Burns:

🌐 Website: Flowers Capital

🔗 LinkedIn: Eric Burns

🚀 Interested in being a guest? Connect on PodMatch:

👉 https...

What happens when a Special Forces operator turns his mission toward healing? Tim Thomas has transformed the lives of countless veterans by pioneering mental health recovery programs in Australia. Now, he's sharing his expertise on Direct Or Detour.

In this extended episode, we dive deep into critical topics like veteran mental health, overcoming fear, mastering resilience, and the profound impact of breathwork on well-being. Tim also guides us through live breathwork exercises, giving listeners practical tools to reduce stress instantly.

🚨 Plus, for the first 20 listeners, Tim is offering a FREE audiobook download—grab it here: Speci...

From navigating childhood adversity to becoming a beacon of hope for neurodiverse communities, Thomas Wilson has transformed personal challenges into a mission of empowerment. As a writer, business owner, advocate, and sensory-friendly events specialist, Thomas has dedicated his life to storytelling and mentorship, creating spaces where individuals can embrace their unique strengths. His work has earned international acclaim and government recognition, making a lasting impact on mental health and neurodiversity advocacy.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Thomas shares his journey of resilience, the power of storytelling in advocacy, and how he is now using Dungeons...

Doug Katz’s journey has been anything but predictable. A West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, and seasoned professional across multiple industries, Doug’s latest mission is personal—helping people regain independence in the kitchen. After facing upper extremity impairments and caregiving for an aging loved one, he realized how challenging cooking can be for those with mobility limitations. That realization led to NULU, an adaptive knife designed to empower users by working with natural body mechanics instead of against them.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Doug shares his path from military service to innovative entrep...

When Derek Hales and his wife set out to buy a new mattress in 2014, they never expected it would lead to a full-fledged career in mattress testing. What started as a hobby project reviewing a couple of beds online turned into a booming business, with Derek testing over 410 mattresses and helping millions make smarter sleep decisions. Now, as the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com, Derek brings data-driven, expert-backed reviews to consumers looking for the perfect night's sleep.

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, Derek shares his journey from an ordinary mattress shopper to one of the...

After years navigating the corporate world, Lorraine Ball decided enough was enough. Tired of glass ceilings and office politics, she took a bold leap into entrepreneurship, building a thriving career as a marketing expert, author, and speaker. Now, through her podcast More than a Few Words, she shares invaluable insights to help small business owners grow. In this episode, Lorraine unpacks her journey, revealing the lessons, detours, and marketing wisdom that shaped her success.

🔗 Connect with Lorraine:

🌐 Website: More Than a Few Words

🎙 Podcast: More Than a Few Words

🚀 Interested in being a gues...

In this episode of Direct Or Detour, we chat with Lance Cayko, a multi-talented serial entrepreneur, architect, and builder. Lance takes us through his incredible journey—from working in nearly every construction trade to co-founding F9 Productions, one of the premier design + build firms in Longmont, Colorado. With a passion for innovation and quality craftsmanship, Lance has built a successful career in architecture and construction while also giving back to his community through sustainable urban gardening initiatives. Tune in for a conversation filled with entrepreneurial insights, lessons on business growth, and the value of following your passion.

🔗 Guest...

What does it take to bring Japan’s best-kept secret to the world stage? In this episode of Direct Or Detour, we sit down with Christopher Pellegrini, a leading expert in shochu and awamori, Japan’s indigenous spirits. From writing the first English book on shochu to judging international spirits competitions and co-hosting multiple podcasts, Christopher shares his journey navigating cultural bridges, international trade, and entrepreneurship in the spirits industry.

Discover how he turned his passion for Japanese distilling traditions into a global career and what it takes to succeed in a niche market. Whether you're an aspi...

In this episode of Direct or Detour, we welcome Steve Gallegos—widely known as "America's Ambassador on Success." A true renaissance man, Steve’s journey spans roles as a U.S. Marine Sergeant, law enforcement officer, singer-songwriter, recording artist, civil trial lawyer, photographer, award-winning author, and international speaker. With a mission to help you rewrite your life’s script, Steve shares the core insights that have guided his extraordinary path. Learn more about his work at https://steviegsuccess.com/.

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Interested in being a gues...

In this episode of Direct or Detour, we welcome Angela Fowler—a coach, consultant, and speaker on a mission to help organizations tap into the $2.1 trillion buying power of people with disabilities. As a businesswoman who is totally blind, Angela offers a unique perspective on transforming challenges into opportunities by making products and services accessible and user-friendly. Her practical, no-nonsense approach and humor inspire businesses to embrace accessibility with common-sense, cost-effective solutions.

Learn more about Angela at: http://www.reallifeaccess.com/

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...

In this episode of Direct or Detour, we sit down with Ken Cox, President of Rivercity Internet Group and the visionary behind InLink.com. Passionate about empowering small businesses and solopreneurs, Ken shares insights from his journey and explains how his innovative platform provides a comprehensive suite of business tools—designed to streamline operations, boost productivity, and help entrepreneurs succeed.

Guest Links:

🌐 Visit: kencox.com

📚 Books on Amazon: Reclaim Sobriety and Many Paths to Profit

🔗 Explore InLink: inlink.com

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In this episode of Direct or Detour, we sit down with Drewbie Wilson, a dedicated entrepreneur, leader, and motivator who knows what it takes to push past limits. From transforming his health by losing over 100 pounds to climbing the ranks from tech support to Vice President of a multi-million-dollar consulting company, Drewbie has embraced every challenge with confidence and grit.

Join us as we explore the key moments that shaped his journey, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he inspires others to "Call the Damn Leads" and "Crush the Day Before It Crushes Yo...

In this episode of Direct or Detour, we sit down with Ben Albert, a podcast host, marketing expert, and founder of Real Business Connections and Balbert Marketing. Ben’s journey began humbly as a dishwasher in his teens, but through hard work, strategic networking, and a passion for helping others, he built a thriving business and a respected podcast network.

Join us as we discuss the key moments, lessons, and detours that shaped his path—from early jobs to launching a marketing firm that helps businesses connect with the right audience and grow.

🌐 Learn more about B...

In this episode of Direct or Detour, we’re joined by Tanya Brody, a Full-Stack Direct Response Copywriter and Email Marketing Consultant. With a wealth of experience working with marketing technology companies, information marketers, and small to medium-sized businesses, Tanya has dedicated her career to helping business owners strengthen their relationships with subscribers through effective email marketing.

Join us as Tanya shares her journey to success, exploring the twists and turns that led her to a career built on connection and communication.

🌐 Learn more about Tanya and her work: https://tanyabrodycopywriter.com/

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In this episode of Direct or Detour, we sit down with Tom Gledhill, an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and small business advocate. With decades of experience founding, building, and selling companies, Tom is on a mission to tackle the challenges small business owners face, especially as many struggle to sell their companies in today’s market. His innovative Xitplus program offers hope and solutions for unsalable businesses, helping them thrive, grow, and transform into opportunities for employees and communities alike.

Join us as we explore Tom’s inspiring journey, his passion for small businesses, and the impact of his...

In this episode of Direct or Detour, we’re joined by Bert terHart, a remarkable adventurer, entrepreneur, and author who has a talent for tackling the impossible. From solo, non-stop global sailing expeditions to paddling across Canada’s waterways, Bert’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A lifelong advocate for citizen science and oceanography, his work has made a global impact, blending passion, exploration, and innovation.

Tune in as Bert shares his fascinating story of embracing detours, navigating challenges, and pursuing a life of purpose.

🌊 Learn more about Bert: https://bertterhart.com/

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