Welcome to Unwinding Pursuits, where we explore the journey from successful careers to pursuits outside of our typical nine-to-five. Through insightful conversations, expert advice, and real-life stories, we delve into topics that matter most - personal growth and pursuring our passion.
008: Rewriting Retirement: Eric Reisenwitz on Leadership, Life Lessons & Finding Purpose After 40 Years in Corporate America
Eric Reisenwitz shares his career journey and insights on leadership, personal finance, and work-life balance after 40 years in the insurance industry in an interview with Nirav Tolia.
3 Jul 2025
007: Healing Generational Trauma: Kou Thao on Identity, Burnout, and Reclaiming Purpose
Kou Thao shares his experiences as a Hmong American, exploring generational trauma and his journey toward healing through social advocacy and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of cultural identity in this interview.
19 Jun 2025
006: How Dr. Gabrielle (Elle) Todd Built Multiple Businesses & Found Joy Beyond Medicine
Nirav interviews Dr. Gabrielle (Elle) Todd, who shares her journey of building multiple businesses while working in medicine, emphasizing self-awareness and pursuing passions outside of work.
5 Jun 2025
005: From Ice Skating to Baking with Katie Coble
Katie Coble recounts her transition from ice skating and music to baking, detailing her entrepreneurial journey and the importance of community, in an interview with Nirav.
22 May 2025
004: Jujitsu, Homeschooling, and Life Lessons with Joe Budkiewicz
In this engaging conversation, Nirav and Joe explore various themes surrounding career transitions, personal hobbies, and the impact of COVID-19 on work-life balance. Joe shares his journey from the insurance industry to pursuing jujitsu and homeschooling his children, emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment outside of work. They discuss the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, the sense of community it fosters, and Joe's experiences as a landlord in real estate.
8 May 2025
003: The Harmony of Medicine and Music with Dr. Crain Garrot
In this episode of the Unwinding Pursuits podcast, Nirav Patel interviews Dr. Crain Garrot, a hematology and oncology doctor who balances his medical career with his passion for music. Crain shares his journey from a small town in Louisiana to becoming a doctor, highlighting the influence of music in his upbringing. He discusses how he found time for music amidst his medical training, the formation of his bands, and their charitable performances. Crain also emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions outside of work, offering advice for young medical professionals and parents looking to encourage musical interests in their children.
Takeaways
Crain's upbringing in Louisiana was heavily influenced by music.
Crain found his passion for oncology during his medical residency.
Balancing music and medicine has been crucial for Crain's mental health.
Crain's bands D-Basement and Tommy's Gone Rogue focus on raising money for charitable causes.
Virtual collaboration in music became popular during COVID.
Having musical instruments at home encourages children to explore music.
Pursuing passions outside of work is essential for a balanced life.
24 Apr 2025
002: The Power of Curiosity in Finding Passion with Taren Gesell
In this episode of the Unwinding Pursuits podcast, Nirav interviews Taren Gesell, a former financial advisor turned triathlon enthusiast and tech entrepreneur. Taren shares his journey from being an unfulfilled banker to discovering his passion for endurance sports, which led him to create a successful YouTube channel and eventually launch a tech company called MOTTIV. The conversation delves into the challenges of transitioning from a traditional career to entrepreneurship, the impact of the global pandemic on Taren's life and business, and the importance of curiosity over passion in finding fulfillment. Taren also discusses the tech scene in Calgary and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Learn more about Taren and MOTTIV here:
YouTube: Taren's MōTTIV Method (https://www.youtube.com/@TriathlonTaren)Endurance Race Training App: MOTTIV (https://www.mymottiv.com/)
IG: instagram.com/triathlontaren (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbElVUGNES2p5bHRfb013MkstVmxJeGIwTlB6d3xBQ3Jtc0tsc203YU9tMWlWWE5jSDNISVk5Mkpwa00xZE5kUWxKaW5wY1ROYWFqMDZHaDVHbXRwWDVFME5FYmNwX1pvSzFNUWFab2V6X1laU205dThyTGlVdzliVlZlUjA0MzB6WldsZ0Q5eXVfLXptWk4xZTJJVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Ftriathlontaren%2F)
Facebook: facebook.com/triathlontaren (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa21mc1dCbzRWZXFjbGtuTWtQRHJwVnloZEhJUXxBQ3Jtc0tsNWhTWWdwaXlvQXpYUzEycWE0VHcxcWdwT2FwYlJPNUF6ZnFjXzlEX3Y5UENvZkU4bDRNMWo2LVhOTmZzREdkVDQtN295OUhyVjdxTUFacDNqQlBCUXB6bnlyUnRzRDZFbzlVRm0wSFdETkhiX0E1QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftriathlontaren)
X: twitter.com/triathlontaren (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2d6RnJyRHROckNFZnRpd0UyT3YxcVVQQy0zd3xBQ3Jtc0ttTFYyTnljSWNxbnJJdWQxSkg1RG5ySDBMT3lzUXdmbnYyMnlFTHp0T0gzVmZyVmZDQ2NhN2R4Vkp5SFVlamd0R0pQNHVnOGJ3aHFJdm1XQUtOamdVd1ppTGlicko4LURWU0dmOUNockZVZmo4UmZZQQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Ftriathlontaren)
10 Apr 2025
001: From Childhood Adventures to Coaching Success with D G McCullough
In this episode of the Undwinding Pursuits podcast, Nirav Patel interviews Debbi Gardiner McCullough, exploring her fascinating journey from a diverse childhood across several countries to her successful career in journalism and coaching. They discuss the importance of communication skills, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of mental health and balance in life. Debbi shares her insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the value of ICF certification, and how her early experiences shaped her worldview and professional path. The conversation emphasizes the fluidity of work-life balance and the importance of embracing change.
Debbi's Coaching Services:
Coaching Services: Hanging Rock Coaching (https://www.hangingrockcoaching.com/)
Maven Course: Listen Like a Boss by D G McCullough (https://maven.com/hanging-rock/listenlikeabossworkshop)
Debbi's Podcasts:
Spotify: The Sage Sayers (https://open.spotify.com/show/7rP985xjOfThwwlCIyS3G0) and Competency No. 5 (https://open.spotify.com/show/2WvXuzRwEFJ8yoC9fYrAFf?si=0f01b882ebfa432b)
6 Apr 2025
INTRODUCING "Unwinding Pursuits with Nirav Patel"
Welcome to Unwinding Pursuits, the podcast where we explore the journeys of those who’ve stepped outside their corporate careers to find fulfillment in unique passions and pursuits. Hosted by Nirav Patel, this show is all about discovering the hobbies, side businesses, and creative outlets that bring people joy beyond their day jobs.
Join Nirav as he talks with guests who’ve found new meaning in their lives—whether through crafting, starting a side hustle, or simply exploring what makes them tick. From woodworking to creative passions, Unwinding Pursuits will inspire and empower you to find your own outlet of fulfillment.
Whether you’re seeking a new hobby or looking for ways to balance your work life with personal passions, Unwinding Pursuits is here to guide you. Subscribe now and get ready to unwind and discover your next pursuit.
New episodes coming soon—don’t miss out on this journey!
Who has been a guest on Unwinding Pursuits
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Eric Reisenwitz
Kou Thao
Dr Gabrielle (Elle) Todd
Katie Coble
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
46
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Unwinding Pursuits
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