Wednesdays Off

Stavros Michailidis
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  • Entrepreneurship

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.

  1. Aug 12

    Anna Lecat | Dancing Through Conflict: How Tango Teaches Us to Fight Kindly - Wednesdays Off Ep. 3

    What if conflict could actually bring us closer together? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, Stavros Michailidis sits down with Anna Lecat—a three-time global CEO, Amazon bestselling author of "Loving Conflict," and TEDx speaker fluent in four languages—to explore her unique approach to turning disagreements into opportunities for connection. Anna reveals her five-step "loving conflict" methodology, blending insights from her multicultural business journey and her passion for tango dancing to teach us how to navigate tension with kindness, clarity, and even playfulness. Discover how embracing conflict can transform relationships at work and at home, why sarcasm might be holding you back, and how humility and presence are at the heart of meaningful conversations. Dive into this episode for a fresh perspective on fighting kindly and building deeper connections. Episode Timeline:[02:03] Introduction to Anna Lecat: global CEO, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and her multicultural background[02:56] Anna’s mission: teaching people how to “fight kindly” and why conflict is essential for deeper understanding[04:23] Cultural influences on conflict avoidance and the importance of learning healthy conflict skills[05:25] Differentiating debate from interpersonal conflict; the role of non-violence in disagreements[06:34] Martial arts and tango as metaphors for non-violent engagement and conflict resolution[08:53] Introduction to the “Loving Conflict” methodology and its application in business and personal life[09:55] The five steps of the Loving Conflict framework:  1. Staying present and recognizing tension in oneself and others  2. Assuming nothing and suspending judgment  3. Listening deeply and being open to changing your mind  4. The art of questioning without putting others on the defensive; the pitfalls of sarcasm  5. The art of “us”—recognizing shared humanity and building trust[23:44] Using tango and play in workshops to teach conflict resolution and connection[25:58] How tango dancing shaped Anna’s approach to leadership, following, and humility[31:36] The challenge of practicing humility and the importance of modeling vulnerability for children and teams[34:29] Role-playing and perspective-switching as tools for empathy and better decision-making[36:19] The value of intellectual humility and enjoying being wrong as a “black belt” skill[44:01] Nature, art, and learning new skills as practices for staying humble[47:01] Parenting stories: modeling conflict resolution and humility for the next generation[49:54] Stavros shares his journey into creativity, leadership, and the pursuit of freedom[57:42] Anna’s core value of being seen and how it relates to love, conflict, and collaboration[01:04:26] Modeling behavior for children and the importance of learning from example[01:09:21] Surrender, agency, and the balance between leading and following in relationships and teams[01:11:42] Creativity, collaboration, and the parallels between tango, facilitation, and innovation[01:14:42] Anna’s book “Loving Conflict” and her invitation to embrace friendly fighting and diverse friendships Resources:Routine Rebel: routinerebel.comAnna Lecat’s website: annalecat.comBook: Loving Conflict by Anna Lecat

  2. Aug 5

    Jaquelynn Peterson | From Burnout to Purpose: Redefining Success and Self-Love - Wednesdays Off Ep. 2

    Ever wondered what happens when high-achieving women hit a wall despite doing everything “right”? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, transformational coach Jacquelynn Peterson shares her powerful journey from corporate success and burnout to rediscovering her true self and purpose. Hear how losing everything forced her to confront old beliefs, embrace stillness, and build a life—and business—aligned with her deepest values. Jacquelynn opens up about the hidden costs of overachievement, the courage it takes to redefine success on your own terms, and the transformative power of giving yourself permission to want more. Don’t miss this honest, inspiring conversation that might just spark your own breakthrough—press play to discover what’s possible when you trust yourself to step off the treadmill and into fulfillment. Episode Timeline:[00:33] Introduction to Jacquelynn Peterson and her mission to help powerhouse women find fulfillment and purpose[03:46] Jacquelynn describes her work and what it means to be a “powerhouse woman”[05:05] The downside of overachievement: burnout, overwhelm, and disconnection[09:28] Jacquelynn’s personal story of losing her job, marriage, and financial security—and the turning point that led her inward[14:10] Realizations in stillness: shifting focus from external achievements to internal healing[16:22] The impact of upbringing and family expectations on self-worth and achievement[20:31] Common struggles among high-achieving women: disconnection from self and difficulty identifying personal desires[27:04] Returning to corporate America with a new mindset and the power of visualization[33:14] Jacquelynn’s vision: creating a haven of well-being and community for personal growth[36:48] The importance of incremental, strategic change versus dramatic leaps[41:47] The duality of spiritual and strategic growth on the journey to fulfillment[46:39] Learning to give yourself permission to want what you want—even if it doesn’t make sense to others[51:59] The journey of self-love, shedding old layers, and aligning business models with personal strengths[58:34] The importance of choosing the right skills, roles, and business models for authentic fulfillment[01:04:44] Returning to her original vision through retreats and in-person experiences[01:07:05] Jacquelynn’s message to listeners just starting their journey: trust what’s possible and allow yourself to be surprised by your own growth Resources:Routine Rebel: routinerebel.comJoyful Living Mindset: joyfullivingmindset.com

  3. Jul 29

    Maximus Mattuchio | Building Dirty Bastard Laundry & Making Boring Fun - Season 2, Ep. 1

    What if your greatest challenge became your superpower? Meet Maximus Mattuchio, the bold founder of Dirty Bastard Laundry Company, who turned his ADHD and out-of-the-box thinking into a rocket-fueled entrepreneurial journey. From hustling as a creative director on a cross-country RV tour with Jake Paul to launching a masculine laundry brand that’s shaking up a floral-scented industry, Maximus shares how embracing discomfort, relentless networking, and daring marketing stunts (like pushing a washing machine around campus) led to viral success and a fully funded Kickstarter in just 48 hours. Discover how he leveraged every setback, from high-stakes job interviews to turning down dream offers, into fuel for his own venture—and why authenticity and audacity are his secret weapons. Dive into this episode for a masterclass in standing out, building a brand from scratch, and daring greatly when the stakes are high. Episode Timeline:[01:13] Introduction to Maximus Mattuchio and Dirty Bastard Laundry Company[02:48] Maximus’s journey: from RV creative director for Jake Paul to entrepreneur[03:46] Lessons from working with major brands like Dude Wipes and Dr. Squatch[07:00] Identifying the gap in the laundry market for a masculine brand[09:12] How ADHD became Maximus’s entrepreneurial superpower[10:25] The importance of attention-grabbing marketing and authenticity[13:06] Overcoming fear of judgment and standing out in business[17:08] Building a brand voice inspired by iconic masculine brands[24:05] Planning for an exit and building relationships with potential acquirers[25:27] Early career: podcasting, working for free, and networking with influencers[31:00] Turning down high-profile creative director roles to stay in school[36:10] The Barstool Sports interview: lessons from a high-stakes pitch[43:01] Networking at Lifetime gym and the serendipitous Jake Paul connection[46:16] The cross-country RV tour: content creation and marketing lessons[48:47] Applying classroom frameworks to real-world entrepreneurship[51:39] The evolution from “Lavo” to Dirty Bastard and the power of bold branding[54:00] Securing early investment and mentorship from university faculty[57:18] Turning down a creative director role at Mr. Beast to go all-in on Dirty Bastard[59:51] Launching with a viral Kickstarter and the washing machine campus campaign[1:04:33] The decision to go all-in and the urgency of entrepreneurship as a student[1:06:17] The “Man in the Arena” philosophy and reframing setbacks as progress[1:10:10] Closing thoughts: inspiration, work ethic, and daring greatly Resources:Routine Rebel: routinerebel.comDirty Bastard Laundry Company: getdirtybastard.com

  4. Jul 22

    Anna Crowe | The Power of Authentic Storytelling, Immigrant Mindset & Real Shifts - Wednesdays Off Ep. 19

    What does it really take to build a brand that stands out in today’s noisy, fast-paced world? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, Anna Crowe—founder of Crowe Media, TEDx speaker, and author of Get Real—shares her journey from immigrant teen to purpose-driven entrepreneur. Anna reveals the “superpowers” that come from embracing your unique story, the real challenges founders face in the attention economy, and why authenticity always trumps flashy marketing. She also opens up about her personal transformation, the power of small shifts, and how to find joy and meaning in both business and life. Dive into this episode for a fresh perspective on storytelling, resilience, and building brands (and lives) that truly matter. Episode Timeline: [02:24] Introduction of Anna Crowe[03:03] Anna discusses her work with Crowe Media[04:46] The passion behind amplifying meaningful stories[06:22] Challenges faced by brands in the attention economy[09:12] The impact of social media and authenticity[12:16] The importance of marketing and brand narrative[15:10] Balancing authenticity with current trends[19:16] Reframing noise as value and impact[23:21] The immigrant mindset and its influence[26:41] Anna's personal immigration story[35:22] Discussion on Anna's book and podcast[39:45] Anna's spiritual awakening and personal growth[47:43] Parenting insights and challenges[52:48] The balance between identity and transformation[55:39] Manifestation and the power of belief[01:00:16] Parenting and personal growth[01:07:36] The importance of neutrality and curiosity Resources: Routine Rebel: routinerebel.comAnna Crowe's Instagram: @ACroPRCrowe Media: cropr.com

  5. Jul 15

    Eric Kaufmann | Ego Myopia, Inner Ancestors, and the Conscious Leader - Wednesdays Off Ep. 18

    What happens when brilliant leaders hit invisible walls? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, executive guide Eric Kaufmann joins Stavros Michailidis for a deep dive into the unconscious patterns that hold leaders back—especially the concept of "egomyopia," or the inability to see and regulate one’s ego in real time. Together, they explore why unchecked ego, not lack of skill or strategy, is often the real barrier to growth, and how intellectual humility, self-awareness, and even grieving past identities play a role in personal and organizational transformation. Stavros opens up about his own leadership journey, while Eric shares insights from decades of coaching executives and teams. Discover how naming your patterns, embracing change, and cultivating conscious leadership can unlock new levels of impact. Episode Timeline:[00:54] Introduction to Eric Kaufmann and the concept of egomyopia.[04:53] Eric discusses his role as an executive guide and the importance of team dynamics.[07:17] The shift in power from traditional roles to business executives.[09:20] The influence of entrepreneurs compared to artists.[13:36] The need to be right and its impact on organizations.[17:03] Intellectual humility and self-identity.[21:05] Grieving past identities and the concept of inner ancestors.[25:23] The practice of naming emotions and transitions.[34:33] Stavros's exploration of language and grammar.[37:15] The three needs of the ego: to be right, liked, and have might.[45:08] Stavros reflects on his own need to be right.[51:36] Leadership and the regulation of the nervous system.[56:00] The role of a purpose-driven steward in leadership.[58:47] The importance of personal transformation for organizational change.[01:02:20] Overview of the Conscious Operating System Assessment.[01:12:26] Stavros's top activators: inner integrity, curiosity, and gratitude.[01:15:07] Barriers: arrogance, prejudice, and anxiousness.[01:20:19] The evolution of ambition and self-acceptance. Resources:Routine Rebel: routinerebel.comSagatica: sagatica.com

  6. Jul 8

    Rachid Zahidi | Building Resilience, Reinventing Yourself, and the Power of Intentional Living - Wednesdays Off Ep. 17

    What does it really take to build resilience—not just in business, but in life? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, Stavros sits down with Rachid Zahidi, CEO, author, and host of the Resilience Across Borders podcast, to explore the journey from humble beginnings in rural Morocco to entrepreneurial success in the U.S. Rachid shares candid stories about overcoming setbacks, the real meaning of resilience, and why focusing on “profit”—in business and in your personal growth—matters more than chasing external validation. Discover practical strategies for hiring, building strong teams, and cultivating gratitude, plus insights on how to help the next generation appreciate the value of hard work. Episode Timeline:[02:26] Introduction of Rachid Zahidi and his background.[03:13] Rachid discusses the meaningful work he does and its impact.[04:28] Transition from corporate world to entrepreneurship.[07:33] Challenges and strategies in hiring and building a team.[13:54] Choosing the background check industry and entrepreneurial journey.[16:54] The significance of resilience in life and business.[21:25] Distinguishing between revenue and profit in business and life.[29:31] Rachid's journey from Morocco to the U.S.[36:14] Reflections on immigrant experiences and teaching resilience to the next generation.[46:26] Learning from analogous experiences and life lessons.[51:58] Overview of Rachid's company and his work on resilience.[56:37] Importance of being proactive in life and personal growth.[01:01:58] Details about Rachid's podcast and journal.[01:07:25] The role of gratitude and self-dialogue in personal development. Resources:Routine Rebel: routinerebel.comRachid Zahidi's website: atresilience.comRachid Zahidi on Instagram: @rachidpodcaster

  7. Jul 1

    Travis Boyco | From Corporate Creative to Entrepreneur: Navigating Risk, Autonomy & AI - Wednesdays Off Ep. 16

    Ever wondered what it really takes to break free from the corporate grind and build a creative business on your own terms? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, Stavros sits down with Travis Boyco, the Ottawa-based founder of Travis Boyco Creative, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship in the digital design world. Travis shares candid insights about leaving a stable job for the uncertainty—and fulfillment—of running his own studio, the myths and truths about who should take the leap, and how he’s navigated risk, autonomy, and the ever-changing landscape of creative work (including the rise of AI). Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how Travis helps clients stand out and why not everyone is cut out for the entrepreneurial path. Dive into the full episode for an honest, practical, and inspiring conversation about creativity, business, and finding your own way. Episode Timeline:[00:52] Introduction to the Wednesdays Off Podcast and guest Travis Boyko.[01:25] Travis shares his journey into the creative industry and starting his own business.[02:55] Discussion on the importance of entrepreneurship and Travis's motivations.[04:25] Travis explains his transition from corporate to freelance work.[06:15] The balance of money, creativity, and autonomy in entrepreneurship.[08:01] The challenges of autonomy and the reality of running a business.[09:02] Travis dispels the myth that entrepreneurship is for everyone.[11:04] The concept of risk and exposure in entrepreneurship.[12:39] Travis's approach to managing workload and client relationships.[15:06] Current challenges Travis faces in his business.[16:30] The feast or famine cycle in freelance work and how Travis manages it.[20:34] The importance of doing to learn in entrepreneurship.[22:46] The role of AI in the creative industry and its impact on jobs.[29:02] The distinction between art and design in Travis's work.[31:58] Travis's educational and professional journey.[38:35] The impact of AI on creative work and the future of the industry.[48:18] Balancing purist approaches with technological advancements.[55:19] The role of personal experiences in shaping professional paths.[58:45] Travis's background and early influences in creativity. Resources:Routine Rebel: routinerebel.comTravis Boyco Creative: travisboyco.com

  8. Jun 24

    Michael Budensiek | Embracing Risk for Personal Growth and Transformation - Wednesdays Off Ep.15

    What happens when you step outside your comfort zone and let vulnerability lead the way? In this episode, fitness strategist Michael Budensiek opens up about how embracing risk and self-improvement has shaped his journey—from his unconventional upbringing to his evolving role as a father. Discover Michael’s unique coaching philosophy and hear firsthand how openness and exposure can spark real transformation.  Episode Timeline: [00:05] Introduction to the Wednesdays Off Podcast and guest Michael Budensiek.[01:11] Michael discusses his professional focus on transformational change.[02:54] The importance of prioritizing health and its impact on other life areas.[05:25] Stavros shares a personal story about redefining work-life balance.[07:00] Michael talks about the significance of working with diverse individuals.[10:54] The challenge of defining one's identity and profession.[13:48] Embracing risk and understanding its role in personal growth.[17:41] The impact of identity change on social relationships.[19:55] The importance of openness and exposure in personal development.[23:05] Michael reflects on fatherhood and its influence on his coaching.[31:34] Discussing the balance between protecting children and allowing them to learn from experience.[35:01] Michael's unconventional upbringing and its impact on his perspective.[42:44] The role of exposure in shaping life choices and career paths.[49:38] Closing thoughts on asking the right questions and finding personal answers. Resources: Routine Rebel: routinerebel.comMichaelBLife on social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook)

    Michael Budensiek | Embracing Risk for Personal Growth and Transformation - Wednesdays Off Ep.15
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Stavros Michailidis
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © @ 2025 Routine Rebel, LLC
  • Show Website
    Wednesdays Off