and then I did this

LuRae Lumpkin
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED DAILY

"And Then I Did This" brings you the unique journeys of individuals who've had the courage to break free and live life on their own terms. Each episode takes you behind the scenes of an ordinary person's extraordinary transformation. You'll hear from those who've walked away from the beaten path to pursue work and a life that nourishes their soul. Their stories prove that you truly can be free to live your best and most authentic life. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from those who dared to create the life of their dreams. Whether it's leaving the corporate grind to start a small business, embarking on a midlife career change, or simply redesigning your daily routine to prioritize your passions - the guests on "And Then I Did This" show you that it's possible to break free and live life on your own terms. Join us each week and prepare to be motivated, encouraged, and empowered to take the first steps toward more freedom in your life. If you're feeling inspired and ready to explore your own path to freedom, check out YouCanBeFree.life where you'll find resources and support to help you break free and live life on your own terms.

  1. Breaking the Mold at 25: How Milena Built a Dream Café & Coffee Shop

    SEP 4

    Breaking the Mold at 25: How Milena Built a Dream Café & Coffee Shop

    In this episode, LuRae sits down with 25-year-old Milena Dujakovich, the powerhouse behind Laguna Beach’s Wild Strawberry Café. After graduating with a finance degree and working in a corporate role, Milena made the life-empowering decision to leave the illusion of a steady paycheck to pursue a more intentional and heart-centered life. She shares how her early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped her values, why she believes in choosing discipline over ease, and the importance of rejecting societal expectations in favor of personal growth. This episode is a must-listen for young professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone craving a life of authenticity, passion, and purpose. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Why Taking Care of Yourself Is the First Step to Success00:00:32 - Meet Milena Dujakovich: The 25-Year-Old Who Swapped Spreadsheets for Lattes00:01:15 - How Wild Strawberry Café Became More Than Just a Business00:01:29 - Lessons Learned from Scrubbing Drains to Following her Dreams00:03:22 - Hustle, Heart, and the Quest for Balance00:03:59 - Ditching the Script: Saying No to What Society Expects00:09:44 - The Moment Milena Said Goodbye to the 9-to-500:13:32 - Brewing More Than Coffee: Building a Café That Connects People00:16:17 - Real Talk: What It Really Takes to Chase Your Dream00:20:49 - Final Thoughts: Tune Out the Noise, Trust Your Gut Links and Resources: Milena Dujakovich on InstagramWild Strawberry CaféLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    24 min
  2. Is Fear of Living Holding You Back?

    AUG 7

    Is Fear of Living Holding You Back?

    See how you can transform your life with the 4,000 Mondays mindset. "From Corporate Stapler to 4,000 Mondays: How Death Became Her Life Coach" Jodi Wellman spent 17 years climbing the corporate ladder until a simple stapler changed everything. After promising herself twice that she'd leave before running out of staples (and breaking that promise both times), she realized she was living in a "self-imposed sentence." Now the founder of 4,000 Mondays and a TEDx speaker with 1.3M+ views, Jodi reveals:  • Why "the fear of death is rivaled only by the fear of living" • How counting your remaining Mondays creates urgent clarity • The difference between regrets of commission vs. omission • Why courage doesn't arrive on a platter - you have to create it first • Her "pre-grets" exercise that prevents future regrets The breakthrough moment: Realizing most of our barriers are just stories we tell ourselves to stay safe. If you've ever felt stuck waiting for someone to save you from your own life, this conversation will be the wake-up call you didn't know you needed. Sometimes the smallest moments - like running out of staples - spark the biggest transformations. 🎧 Perfect for anyone ready to stop living small and start designing a life with no regrets. This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Embracing the Fear of Truly Living00:00:58 - Meet Jodi Wellman: Founder of 4,000 Mondays00:01:58 - Jodi’s Corporate Journey: The Eye-Opening Stapler Story00:04:54 - A Life-Changing Moment: Seeking Coaching and Discovering Passion00:06:21 - Living Authentically: Conquering Fear and Avoiding Regret00:09:45 - Mortality as a Motivator: Finding Purpose in Life’s Limits00:13:47 - Intentional Living: How to Make the Most of Every Moment00:19:37 - Finding Joy in Everyday Moments: Practical Tips00:21:34 - The Icebreaker That Sparked Transformation00:22:49 - Micro Moments of Change: Small Steps to Big Transformations00:24:50 - Facing and Overcoming the Fear of Change00:28:34 - The Transformative Power of Taking Action00:33:57 - Embracing Life’s Impermanence: Living Fully00:36:22 - Final Thoughts: Inspiration to Live Authentically and Fully Links and Resources: Jodi Wellman Four Thousand MondaysLuRae LumpkinYou Can Be Free NewsletterYouCanBeFree.life Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    39 min
  3. Career Redefined: Reinventing Your Life on Purpose with Iain Morrison

    JUN 11

    Career Redefined: Reinventing Your Life on Purpose with Iain Morrison

    LuRae sits down with Iain Morrison, co-founder of The Imagination Collaborative, to walk through his remarkable entrepreneurial journey from concert stages to cutting-edge tech. With over 35 years in global event production, Iain shares how the pandemic influenced a career transition that became his catalyst for reinvention. He opens up about walking away from financial security to chase scalable impact. He walks us through how immersive 3D technology is reshaping how we plan, sell, and experience events. If you're navigating a career transition, questioning the status quo, or wondering how to turn your passion into purpose, this candid conversation is for you. It delivers real talk on resilience, persistence, and the future of innovation. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Fail Forward: Why Mistakes Matter Most00:00:14 - Kickoff with LuRae00:00:39 - Meet Iain Morrison: From Backstage to Boardroom00:01:12 - Sparks Fly: A Lifelong Passion Ignited00:03:16 - Fired Up: The Moment He Took Control00:04:06 - Shutdowns and Sell-Offs: A Pandemic Pivot00:06:02 - All In: Betting Big on Tech Innovation00:08:58 - Leadership Unplugged: From Manager to Visionary00:14:34 - See It Before You Build It: Immersive Event Tech00:17:36 - Real Talk: Reinventing Your Career with Purpose00:20:25 - The AI Edge: Stay Ahead or Get Left Behind00:29:57 - Final Word: Start Scared, but Start Links and Resources: WebsiteIain on LinkedInLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    32 min
  4. The Courage to Leave: Rethinking Career, Identity, and Joy

    MAY 29

    The Courage to Leave: Rethinking Career, Identity, and Joy

    LuRae speaks with transformational Mindset Coach Ruta Stasiunaite, founder of Redefining Success. She provides mentorship and guidance for high-achievers seeking deep fulfillment and those who want to live authentically. Ruta shares her powerful journey from corporate project manager to traveling the world as a soul-centered coach. She helps others escape societal “shoulds” and discover a purpose-driven life. Together, they address emotional healing, conscious detachment, redefining success, and the courage it takes to walk away from a life that no longer fits. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a career or lifestyle that looks good on paper but leaves you unfulfilled, this candid and inspiring conversation is your wake-up call. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Your Thoughts Create Your Reality00:00:28 – Meet Ruta: A Rebel with a Purpose00:00:50 – Escaping the Concrete Jungle: Ruta’s Leap into the Unknown00:03:06 – When the Hustle Cracks: A Wake-Up Call from Within00:03:58 – From Rock Bottom to Reinvention: Birth of a Coaching Mission00:10:01 – What If Success Isn’t What You’ve Been Told?00:23:30 – Real Wealth: The Power of Deep Human Connection00:29:47 – Parting Wisdom & How to Connect with Ruta Links and Resources: Ruta Stasiunaite on LinkedInRedefining SuccessLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to And Then I Did This? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

    33 min
  5. A New Paradigm: Why Consciousness is the Next Leadership Superpower

    MAY 21

    A New Paradigm: Why Consciousness is the Next Leadership Superpower

    LuRae sits down with Charley Johnson, former business mogul turned Chief Consciousness Officer. They explore how the collapse of traditional systems is creating space for radical clarity, neutrality, and purpose in both work and life. Charley shares his profound personal transformation, shaped by spiritual mentorship and corporate breakdowns. He makes a powerful case for integrating consciousness into leadership. Whether you’re a mid-career executive questioning the game, or someone quietly sensing the tectonic shift within, this episode invites you to reflect, realign, and reimagine what success truly means in today’s world. Chapters: 00:00:00 – The Voice That Won’t Stay Quiet: A Call to Inner Truth00:00:45 – Enter Charley Johnson: Breaking the Mold, Shifting the Game00:01:23 – Rooted and Restless: A Childhood Without a Label00:02:16 – From Teen Hustler to CEO: The Relentless Rise00:04:25 – When Fear Shows Up to Redirect Your Life00:05:22 – Awakening in the Sauna: The Moment Everything Changed00:09:30 – Conscious Leadership Redefined: The CCO Vision00:10:18 – Why Consciousness Is the Greatest Untapped Business Asset00:17:13 – What If Consciousness Has Been All Around You All Along?00:18:54 – Clarity as Currency: How Seeing Clearly Transforms Culture00:22:13 – AI, Uncertainty, and the Human Element We Can’t Lose00:25:04 – Feeling the Pull? Here’s What to Do When the Old Path No Longer Fits00:27:35 – Why One-Size-Fits-All Advice Doesn’t Work Anymore00:32:08 – Embodying a New Era: Consciousness at the Heart of Business00:33:32 – Final Sparks: How to Connect with Charley and Start the Shift Links and Resources: Charley on LinkedInLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    35 min
  6. The MIND BLOWING Truth About Self Deception

    MAY 1

    The MIND BLOWING Truth About Self Deception

    LuRae sits down with Marc Longwith, founder of Evolved Entrepreneur, to unpack what it really takes to shift from autopilot to authenticity. Marc shares how growing up in Las Vegas, working in nightlife, and becoming a professional MMA fighter shaped his path toward personal development and business mentoring. From dismantling subconscious programming to defining success on your own terms, this conversation dives deep into the connection between self-worth, fulfillment, and the courage to evolve. Whether you're feeling stuck in a soulless job or teetering on the edge of a bold new chapter, this episode offers a powerful reminder: your best life starts the moment you stop playing small. Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Mirror to Yourself: Kicking Off with Deep Self-Reflection00:00:40 - Meet Marc Anthony Longwith: From Vegas Roots to Global Vision00:01:18 - From Bartender to Legacy Builder: The Evolved Entrepreneur Origin Story00:01:43 - Success Isn’t Enough: Chasing Fulfillment on a New Level00:02:40 - Inner Work Is the Real Work: The Path to Authentic Success00:05:12 - Upgrade Your Mind: Rewiring the Brain for High Performance00:10:02 - Black Belts & Business: How MMA Built Marc’s Mental Toughness00:12:23 - Push Past Your Limits: Why Great Coaches Don’t Coddle00:13:44 - Forget What They Say - It’s All About What They Do00:14:09 - Trapped in a Job You Hate? Here's Your Wake-Up Call00:15:38 - Daily Discipline, Real Results: Inside the Evolved 100 Challenge00:16:45 - Fear Is Inevitable—Courage Is the Difference Maker00:17:16 - Breaking the Chains: Escaping the Illusion of Comfort00:19:40 - Living Abroad, Living Free: Lessons from Life in Colombia00:21:09 - Want to Win? Bet on Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It00:24:15 - You Can’t Do This Alone: Community, Coaches, and the Power of Support00:26:03 - Want to Work with Marc? Here’s Where to Find Him00:27:00 - Stop Waiting. Start Living: Marc’s Final Message for Dreamers Links and Resources: Marc Anthony Longwith on LinkedInEvolved EntrepreneurLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    28 min
  7. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Rediscovering Your Purpose

    MAR 26

    From Burnout to Breakthrough: Rediscovering Your Purpose

    Ever feel like you’re trapped in a life that no longer serves you? In this episode, Alana Light shares her journey from corporate burnout to a life of deep fulfillment.  After years of saying yes to things that drained her, Alana faced a health crisis that forced her to reconsider everything.  She discovered the power of positive psychology, self-inquiry, and radical alignment—and now helps others navigate their own transformations.  This conversation explores the societal conditioning that keeps us stuck, the power of listening to our bodies, and why freedom begins with remembering who you truly are.  If you’re feeling the nudge to change but don’t know where to start, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Journey Begins: Breaking Free from the Life That No Longer Serves You00:00:38 - Meet Alana Light: From Corporate Hustle to Conscious Living00:01:14 - The Wake-Up Call: When Burnout Becomes Impossible to Ignore00:02:34 - Rewiring Your Mind: How Positive Psychology Transforms Your Life00:03:44 - Redefining Success: Creating a Life That Feels Good, Not Just Looks Good00:04:34 - The Power of Saying No: Setting Boundaries and Taking Back Your Energy00:05:10 - When Your Body Speaks: The Health Scare That Changed Everything00:06:29 - Choosing Freedom Over Fear: Stepping Into the Unknown with Confidence00:10:15 - The Future of Work: How AI Can Help You Build the Life You Actually Want00:14:02 - Finding Your True Path: Practical Steps to Reconnect with Your Purpose00:30:25 - Your Next Step: Giving Yourself Permission to Start Today Links and Resources: Alana Light on LinkedInAlana's Birth New Earth PodcastAlana's TEDx Talk on Shaping Your Life for WellbeingLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    33 min
  8. Why a Layoff Can Be a Blessing in Disguise

    MAR 11

    Why a Layoff Can Be a Blessing in Disguise

    Leaving a stable corporate job can feel terrifying, but what if it was the best decision you ever made? In this episode, Casey Hald shares his journey from being a senior product designer at NASDAQ and Experian to becoming the founder of Birdstreet.co. He reveals how an unexpected layoff pushed him to take control of his career, the challenges of freelancing, and why the fear of instability is often an illusion. From setting routines to mastering the power of saying no, Casey offers real-world advice for anyone looking to transition into self-employment. If you’re considering making the leap or are deciding your next move, this episode is a must-listen. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Turning Fear into Freedom: Taking Control of Your Career00:00:31 - Meet Casey Hald: From Corporate Designer to Entrepreneur00:01:20 - From Web Design to UX Leadership: Casey’s Career Evolution00:03:38 - The Unexpected Layoff That Opened New Doors00:05:56 - Life Without a Boss: The Highs and Lows of Self-Employment00:10:48 - Making the Leap: Practical Steps for Aspiring Freelancers00:17:39 - The Power of Networking and Finding the Right Mentors00:19:23 - Growing Beyond Corporate: How Casey Built His Own Path00:23:50 - Final Takeaways: Advice for Those Ready to Break Free Links and Resources: Casey Hald on LinkedInCasey's Company Birdstreet.coLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"And Then I Did This" brings you the unique journeys of individuals who've had the courage to break free and live life on their own terms. Each episode takes you behind the scenes of an ordinary person's extraordinary transformation. You'll hear from those who've walked away from the beaten path to pursue work and a life that nourishes their soul. Their stories prove that you truly can be free to live your best and most authentic life. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from those who dared to create the life of their dreams. Whether it's leaving the corporate grind to start a small business, embarking on a midlife career change, or simply redesigning your daily routine to prioritize your passions - the guests on "And Then I Did This" show you that it's possible to break free and live life on your own terms. Join us each week and prepare to be motivated, encouraged, and empowered to take the first steps toward more freedom in your life. If you're feeling inspired and ready to explore your own path to freedom, check out YouCanBeFree.life where you'll find resources and support to help you break free and live life on your own terms.

Information

  • Creator
    LuRae Lumpkin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 You Can Be Free