Wednesdays Off

About Wednesdays Off

Wednesdays Off is the freedom podcast from Routine Rebel. It’s for the leaders who are done being consumed by the very businesses they are building. Through raw conversations, personal insights, and behind-the-scenes stories, we explore what it really means to reclaim your time, energy, and joy—without sacrificing success. This isn't a hustle podcast. It’s a call to adventure—to practice freedom in real time, to simplify what matters, to build systems that get you out of the weeds, and to connect with others doing the same. Each episode helps you challenge old patterns, reconnect with what matters, and build a life that’s spacious, meaningful, and yours. Because freedom isn’t the reward. It’s the requirement.

Publisher

Stavros Michailidis

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Mar 2026

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

32 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Rich Mulholland | The Action Framework, Better Communication, and Building Ideas That Matter - Wednesdays Off Season 2, Ep. 12

   Rich Mulholland—former roadie turned global speaker and founder of Missing Link—shares why the stage is the ultimate testing ground for bold ideas, how naming things can make or break your message, and why most entrepreneurs end up trapped by the very companies they create. Dive into a lively conversation about redefining success, the power of intentional living, and the surprising lessons Rich learned from both board games and Brazilian jujitsu. Discover how to escape the endless chase for “enough,” why your talk title matters more than your fame, and how a simple jar of pennies can transform your work-life balance. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Introduction to Rich Mulholland: roadie turned strategist, global speaker, founder of Missing Link and Too Many Robots, and author of four books including Relentless Relevance. [00:33] The art and importance of naming talks, companies, and books. [00:55] Rich’s mission: helping people “suck less in public” and the transformative power of the stage. [02:07] The rush of public speaking, audience feedback, and why context matters. [04:20] Overcoming fear of public speaking and the importance of content confidence. [05:34] Speaker training insights: the difference between memorizing and feeling your talk. [07:03] Chasing the message, not the applause—why impact matters more than the high. [08:50] Crafting talks that challenge conventional wisdom and offer counter-narratives. [10:21] Live coaching: Stavros and Rich break down the myth that building a successful company leads to freedom. [13:01] Mindset blocks, letting go, and the “Wednesday Off” principle for entrepreneurs. [14:03] The “ruthless pursuit of enough” and defining victory conditions in business. [16:13] Action over inspiration: how to drive real change from the stage. [18:10] Missing Link’s Action Framework: reason to care, reason to believe, what you need to know, what you need to do. [18:59] The power of great slides and the hidden traps of entrepreneurial comparison. [22:05] The “cups” metaphor: understanding personal fulfillment and the dangers of endlessly chasing money. [25:15] Self-love vs. self-loathing as a driver for growth; plugging the leaks in your essential cups. [29:03] Daily reflection practices, the half-life of positivity vs. negativity, and the Roguelite app. [31:15] Applying the cups metaphor to business and personal life. [35:12] Living and presenting with intention; the intersection of what you care about and what your audience needs. [38:34] The Amsterdam Principle: your audience can never enjoy your presentation more than you do. [41:53] Designing talks for maximum impact—beyond applause to real action. [46:42] Writing, designing, and delivering talks: why preparation is key. [49:02] How many talks should a speaker have? The value of a core keynote and variations. [50:49] Using AI as a creative partner in writing and refining talks and articles. [54:37] The stage as the last bastion of authentic human connection in an AI-driven world. [55:36] How to get started as a speaker: find what frustrates you, dig deep, and test your ideas. [58:46] Understanding your true audience: user vs. client, and the realities of paid speaking. [1:00:39] How to practice and refine your talk: offering free sessions, testing titles, and iterating based on feedback. [1:03:00] Closing thoughts: why passion and purpose matter most. Resources: Routine Rebel: routinerebel.com Missing Link: msnglnk.com Too Many Robots: toomanyrobots.com Rich Mulholland’s books, including Relentless Relevance Roguelite app (for daily reflection and tracking growth)

2. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Emma Garrison | From Core Values to Core Conflicts: Building Buy-In and Authentic Leadership - Wednesdays Off Ep. 11

   "What if the secret to a thriving organization isn’t just strategy, but the human experience behind it? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, Stavros sits down with Emma Garrison, co-founder of Garrison Growth, to explore how real buy-in starts with understanding human behavior—not just processes. Emma shares candid stories from her own career, reveals why most leaders misdiagnose their team’s challenges, and explains how the “nails in our forehead” we can’t see often hold us back. From the power of psychological safety to the art of repairing relationships (at work and at home), this conversation is packed with practical insights and fresh perspectives on leadership, culture, and personal growth. Discover how to create the kind of environment where people—and ideas—truly flourish; catch the full episode for a new take on what it means to lead with intention. Episode Timeline: [00:18] Introduction to Emma Garrison and her work at Garrison Growth [01:04] Emma’s approach: starting with human behavior, not just process [03:12] Personal stories that shaped Emma’s philosophy on leadership and culture [05:41] The influence of Emma’s father and their partnership in Garrison Growth [07:24] The gap between stated values and lived experience in organizations [08:15] Discussion on core values vs. core conflicts and the importance of psychological safety [10:37] Defining company culture by what is not tolerated; blueprint and boundaries [12:37] Climate vs. culture: observable behaviors and their impact [14:00] Are there truly unique company cultures or just variations on a theme? [16:19] The metaphor of Japanese art (kintsugi) and the beauty of repair in relationships [18:18] The importance of fit between culture and people; transparency and explicit communication [20:34] Emma’s diagnostic process for uncovering root causes of organizational challenges [23:19] The value of gathering perspectives from all levels of an organization [25:09] How leadership tools translate to family and personal relationships [26:17] The real barriers to using leadership tools: self-awareness and internal work [28:16] Mindset vs. business acumen: why leaders struggle to take their own advice [29:20] The “inside the jar” analogy and the importance of external perspective [31:30] Vulnerability in leadership: creating space for honest feedback [33:27] How leaders teach others how to interact with them through their responses [34:17] The power of framing and phrasing in leadership communication [35:50] The challenge of balancing efficiency with empathy in leadership moments [37:23] The responsibility of framing conversations as a leader [39:04] Unconscious competence and the leader’s responsibility to share their knowledge [41:07] The cost of not slowing down to get culture and communication right [42:12] Delegation, unconscious competence, and the self-fulfilling prophecy of disengagement [43:07] Letting go as a leader: balancing guidance with empowering others [45:11] The identity shift required as leaders move up in organizations [46:21] Shedding labels and redefining personal identity as a leader [49:10] Parallels between leadership and child psychology; managing emotional states [51:27] Emma’s free monthly leadership sprints: what they are and who they’re for [53:28] How to find Emma and Garrison Growth online Resources: Routine Rebel: routinerebel.com Garrison Growth: garrisongrowth.com Emma Garrison on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emmagarrison Email Emma and her team: engage@garrisongrowth.com Monthly Leadership Sprints: garrisongrowth.com (see events or contact for registration)

3. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Wendy Wesley & Ted Cooper | From Soil to Soul: Nourishing Community, Challenging Food Myths, and Growing Change - Wednesdays Off Ep. 10

   What if the secret to a healthier, more connected community lies in the soil beneath our feet and the meals we share? In this episode of the Wednesday's Off Podcast, host Stavros Michailidis sits down with Wendy Wesley, a passionate registered dietitian and founder of the St. Pete Cooking School, and Ted Cooper, the dedicated garden manager at Daystar Life. Together, they reveal how Daystar Life—a St. Petersburg nonprofit—goes beyond fighting food insecurity by empowering locals with nutrition education, hands-on cooking classes, and a thriving organic garden that turns food waste into fresh produce for families in need. Discover how Wendy and Ted are challenging the status quo of food pantries by prioritizing nutrients over empty calories, fostering a culture of giving, and building a resilient neighborhood from the ground up. Dive into their stories of personal transformation, practical tips for home gardening and cooking, and the powerful ripple effects of community-driven change. Experience the heart and wisdom of Daystar Life—catch the full episode for a fresh perspective on food, community, and what it truly means to nourish a city. Episode Timeline: [00:05] Introduction to Wendy Wesley and Ted Cooper, their backgrounds, and Daystar Life’s mission [02:20] Wendy and Ted share how they became involved with Daystar Life and their personal motivations [03:35] Overview of Daystar Life’s services: food pantry, rent assistance, and holistic support for the community [05:31] The closed-loop system: turning food waste into compost and organic produce [06:30] Wendy and Ted’s career journeys before Daystar and what drew them to their current roles [08:31] Challenging food pantry norms: prioritizing nutrients over calories and empowering through education [10:42] Cooking and gardening classes as tools for community empowerment [11:26] Seedlings to Neighbors: building gardens for local families and fostering self-sufficiency [13:43] The unique culture of volunteers and staff at Daystar Life [16:22] Reflections on the changing landscape of St. Petersburg and the importance of community involvement [20:46] Sustainable development, urban change, and the impact on local food systems [28:51] The role of gardening in personal and community well-being; lessons from blue zones [32:03] Practical gardening tips: mulching, soil health, and the gardener’s role as a scene setter [38:51] Parallels between gardening and cooking: the importance of preparation and foundational skills [41:12] Reducing food waste at home: storage, shopping habits, and the emotional impact of waste [44:17] The difference between processed and fresh foods; challenges in changing food culture [49:34] The importance of fiber, variety, and realistic approaches to healthy eating [51:49] Canned vegetables vs. processed snacks: meeting people where they are [55:53] Gut health, the microbiome, and the addictive nature of ultra-processed foods [58:00] The importance of paying attention to digestive health and practical dietary advice [1:05:22] How to get involved with Daystar Life as a volunteer or donor; upcoming cooking classes and community initiatives Resources: Routine Rebel: routinerebel.com Daystar Life: daystarlife.org, volunteer and donations: https://daystarlife.org/donate/ (https://daystarlife.org/donate/) Wendy Wesley Nutrition: https://wendywesleynutrition.com/ (https://wendywesleynutrition.com/) Hot Flash Kitchen, A Menopause Nutritional Plan (upcoming book by Wendy Wesley)

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.