Fulfillment Project

Fulfillment Project with: Andy Leonard
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Trying to figure out the secret to life, one question at a time. Join the conversation at fulfillmentproject.substack.com. fulfillmentproject.substack.com

  1. 2D AGO

    #58 Lean Out

    Lean Out: Laura LeBleu on Surviving the Corporate Machine, Reclaiming Analog, and Going Back to Who You Were at 10 She's a two-time Emmy winner, former NYC theater director, lead singer of an Italian band, voice of a virtual TV character, and a stilt-walking circus ringmaster. Now she co-founded Geezer, the print-only magazine telling the truth about Gen X. Laura LeBleu came to the Fulfillment Project with no filter, pathological honesty, and one of the most useful career philosophies I've heard in years: lean out. About this episode What if everything you've been told about climbing the ladder is backwards? Laura LeBleu has had one of the strangest, most creative resumes you'll ever encounter, and somewhere between San Francisco drag queen musicals, NYC advertising agencies, and Bay Area tech companies, she figured out a quiet truth that's been hiding in plain sight: you can do excellent work without tying your soul to it. In this conversation we cover Gen X as the "forgotten generation," why print is the new vinyl, the slow death of human-curated discovery (RIP, Blockbuster clerks), what to say to the 19-year-old who's given up because of AI, the lost art of being bored, and the single best piece of career advice I've heard in a long time: lean out, but do the work. Laura also sings Italian cabaret on the mic. A Fulfillment Project first. Featured quotes "You are not the sum of your job description, and you are not the sum of your latest annual review. You're so much more than that." "I made a conscious decision to lean out, which did not mean I leaned out as far as doing good work. Where I leaned out is where my ego was concerned." "We're all realizing the empty calories of digital content. We want to touch grass, as the kids say. And the way Gen X is doing it is by picking up a magazine." "Discovery used to be built in. Now discovery is fed to us, which means it's not really discovery at all." "By leaning into our humanity, that's the best way to navigate the age of AI." "I'm in my 50s, I'm starting to feel more like myself than I have in many years." Chapters (00:00) Cold open — "You are not the sum of your job description" (00:37) Meet Laura: Emmys, circus, cabaret, and Geezer Magazine (02:46) Is Gen X really the forgotten generation? (04:01) The truth about perimenopause nobody told her (04:48) Print is the new vinyl (06:11) Why analog matters more than ever (07:38) Rebranding AARP in three words (07:56) Things from the 80s and 90s that deserve a comeback (14:01) The death of human-curated discovery (16:32) The hotel in Charlotte with a vinyl librarian (17:51) Why Gen Z struggles to talk to strangers (20:01) The centenarian secret: it's not diet, it's social connection (21:06) From theater kid to circus ringmaster: Laura's wild path (24:00) Becoming the voice of a virtual TV character at Tech TV (25:43) Laura sings Italian cabaret (yes, really) (28:43) How Geezer came to life with Paul Vons (29:32) Why Gen X may be the first generation skipped over for power (32:13) Do creatives lose pieces of themselves inside big companies? (36:39) McKinsey: most people don't find purpose in their work — why? (40:06) What do you say to the 19-year-old who's given up because of AI? (44:25) Reading and writing in the age of AI (47:02) The seven books Laura just bought to reclaim her attention (49:45) Boredom is a creative superpower (54:56) The Lean Out manifesto (1:00:38) Separating your ego from your work (1:03:48) "Deep in my heart, I'm kind of a 12-year-old boy" (1:08:29) Going back to who you were at 10 (1:09:00) Where to find Geezer Magazine About the guest Laura LeBleu is the co-founder and creative director of Geezer Magazine, a print-only magazine telling the truth about Gen X and aging. Before Geezer, she earned two Emmy Awards, directed theater in New York City, fronted an Italian band performing the music of Mina, performed cabaret, voiced the virtual character hosting Tech TV, and toured as a stilt-walking circus ringmaster. She holds a theater degree from New Mexico State University and currently writes thought leadership for a major tech company. She has a 15-year-old son who, upon seeing the first issue of Geezer, declared: "Analog media is fire." Resources & references mentioned Geezer Magazine — geezermagazine.com Geezer on Substack — geezermagazine.substack.com Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg — the book Laura is gently dismantling Northern Exposure — the Gen X show Laura wants resurrected Tech TV — where Laura voiced the first network virtual character Mina — the Italian singer of "Nessuno" (the song Laura sings on the episode) Connect with Laura Geezer Magazine: geezermagazine.com Geezer on Substack: geezermagazine.substack.com Connect with the Fulfillment Project If this episode resonated, the best way to support the show is to share it with one person who needs to hear it — the friend stuck in a job that's eating their soul, the cousin worried about their kid's future, the colleague who keeps asking what they're doing with their life. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — and please leave a rating. It's the single biggest thing you can do to help the show grow. Subscribe to the newsletter for episode breakdowns, reflections, and what's on my mind between conversations. Watch on YouTube — full episodes, clips, and Shorts. Follow along on LinkedIn for new episode drops and behind-the-scenes. Thanks for listening. — Andy Get full access to Fulfillment Project at fulfillmentproject.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 12m

  2. MAY 4

    #57 | No One's Richer Than Us

    Easter morning. A half-inch crack in the sidewalk. A stone wall. Six months flat on his back — and the most important lesson Jeff Matlow says he ever learned. This week on The Fulfillment Project, I sat down with Jeff Matlow: three-time founder (all acquired by publicly traded firms), Ironman triathlete, leadership coach, former music industry insider who worked closely with James Brown, and a guy who has cheated death enough times to be running out of cat lives. We covered a LOT of ground — and Jeff didn't pull any punches. ▶️ SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss the next one 📬 Get the weekly deep-dive on Substack 🎙 Inside This Episode The "Surplus Life" framework that will reframe how you think about generosity, time, and wealth Why "open door policies" are complete BS — and what real leaders do instead The 6 workplace addictions quietly destroying your team (you'll spot at least one in the mirror) Why procrastination doesn't actually exist — and what you've really been wrestling with The "Pattern-Environment Loop" trapping smart leaders — and the small move that breaks it What James Brown, Reverend Al Sharpton, and a wild contract negotiation taught Jeff about authenticity Why money can't make you happy — but if you're already happy, "it sure can make you happier" The "Unconscious Operating System" running your life (and why you can't see it from inside the pickle jar) If you've ever felt stuck, behind, or like you're waiting for permission to live the life you actually want — this one's for you. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 — Cold open: three companies, Ironman, and a broken back 01:04 — Lightning round 02:21 — What lying flat on his back taught Jeff about gratitude 05:03 — Why "work-life balance" is a lie 06:25 — The #1 leadership behavior destroying fulfillment at work 07:10 — Working with James Brown 15:43 — The Reverend Al Sharpton story 17:16 — Money, fame, and the "golden prison" 19:54 — The personality chameleon trap 24:10 — How to figure out what you actually want (the 5 Whys) 27:26 — The real reason your team isn't aligned (it's not what you think) 29:34 — Why "Atomic Habits" misses the point + the 3 elements of lasting change 32:47 — Morning routines that actually work 41:31 — Why you have to make time NOW (not "someday") 43:55 — The Surplus Life framework 47:07 — The origami angels story 48:44 — Procrastination isn't real 50:38 — "Open door policies are BS" 52:41 — How to actually get honest feedback (Stop / Start / Continue) 55:52 — The 6 workplace addictions destroying productivity 1:01:10 — The Unconscious Operating System 1:03:04 — Where to find Jeff 🔗 Connect with Jeff Matlow Website: thebestleadershipcompany.com Newsletter: thebestleadershipnewsletter.com 🔗 Connect with Andy + The Fulfillment Project Substack: fulfillmentproject.substack.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrewtleonard Apple Podcasts: Listen here Spotify: Listen here ❤️ If This Resonated, Do Me a Favor Hit SUBSCRIBE — every sub helps me bring on bigger guests LIKE this video so YouTube shows it to someone who needs it Drop a COMMENT with your biggest takeaway — I read every single one SHARE this with one person you care about — that's a surplus move 😉 What's the one work addiction from Jeff's list that hit closest to home? Tell me in the comments 👇 #TheFulfillmentProject #JeffMatlow #Leadership #Fulfillment #LeadershipCoaching #PersonalDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #Productivity #SelfImprovement #ExecutiveCoaching Get full access to Fulfillment Project at fulfillmentproject.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 7m

  3. APR 27

    #56 | The AI Age Survival Guide: Agency, Alignment, and Reinvention with Nikki Barua

    Nikki Barua on how to thrive in the AI age: why curiosity beats credentials, how to use agency as your antidote to uncertainty, and the daily practice behind everything she's built. In this episode of Fulfillment Project, I sit down with Nikki Barua, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author of Beyond Barriers, keynote speaker, and CEO of Flipwork. Named one of Entrepreneur Magazine's 100 Most Influential Women and featured in Forbes, Fortune, Bloomberg, and CNBC, Nikki has spent 25 years helping leaders break through barriers, reinvent their careers, and unlock exponential human potential in the age of AI. We get into what most AI conversations miss: this isn't about technology replacing humans — it's about humans becoming more human. Nikki unpacks why burnout is misalignment (not overwork), why most people are chasing safety instead of success, and why "dreaming small" is the #1 thing keeping you stuck. If you've ever felt the rat race closing in, wondered whether your career is future-proof, or struggled to turn failure into fuel — this conversation is for you. WHAT WE COVER ➡️ Why AI is an amplifier of human potential, not a replacement ➡️ The 72-hour rule for bouncing back from setbacks ➡️ The daily "Thinking Time" practice that fueled a 25-year career ➡️ Why burnout = misalignment (not long hours) ➡️ How to find your purpose when you're stuck in a corporate job ➡️ Why curiosity trumps credentials in the AI era ➡️ How to reinvent yourself at any age or stage ⏱️ CHAPTERS ▶️ 00:00 — Intro ▶️ 02:25 — Lightning round: Is AI good or bad? ▶️ 05:23 — Agency + accountability: the antidote to uncertainty ▶️ 07:57 — What to do when taking ownership isn't producing results ▶️ 12:42 — Why women get stuck in the story (and how to break out) ▶️ 14:04 — Nikki's immigration story and finding her authentic voice ▶️ 20:54 — The "Thinking Time" daily practice ▶️ 23:40 — Turning tragedy and loss into fuel ▶️ 25:37 — Purpose vs. chasing growth for growth's sake ▶️ 28:11 — Why most people work for safety, not success ▶️ 32:00 — The biggest leadership paradox in the AI age ▶️ 38:16 — Curiosity trumps credentials ▶️ 40:28 — What fulfillment actually means in 2026 ▶️ 43:49 — Burnout vs. stress (and the real cause of burnout) ▶️ 47:08 — Why we don't dream big enough 🔗 CONNECT WITH NIKKI BARUA ➡️ Website: https://nikkibarua.com ➡️ Flipwork: https://flipwork.ai ➡️ Free AI Readiness Diagnostic: https://flipwork.ai 🎧 LISTEN TO FULFILLMENT PROJECT ➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6709cKjw4GWkTTzbu7xPJM ➡️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fulfillment-project/id1804384788 ➡️ Substack: https://fulfillmentproject.substack.com/ 📬 GET THE FULL RECAP Every week I break down the best ideas from each episode in my Substack newsletter. Subscribe here: https://fulfillmentproject.substack.com/ If this conversation hit for you, the best thing you can do is share it with one person who needs to hear it. Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments — I read every single one. #AI #Reinvention #Entrepreneurship #NikkiBarua #FulfillmentProject #Leadership #Burnout #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #CareerReinvention #AIera #PurposeDriven #Curiosity #Agency #WomenInBusiness Get full access to Fulfillment Project at fulfillmentproject.substack.com/subscribe

    51 min

  4. APR 20

    #55 | FAMILY: America's Last Hope - with Terry Schilling

    Terry Schilling, president of American Principles Project and the activist credited with convincing the Republican Party to take on trans rights, joins Andy to talk about family, fatherhood, faith, and what it actually takes to feel fulfilled in modern America. Terry is one of the most consequential conservative strategists in Washington. He flew to Mar-a-Lago with data that shifted 47,000 votes in Wisconsin and 38,000 in Arizona. He's the founder of the Big Family Initiative, a father of 8 children, and one of the most unapologetically pro-family voices in politics today. In this episode, we go deep: lightning round, backstory, and the big ideas, covering: ▶Why 40% of Gen Z doesn't want to get married (and who's responsible) ▶How Terry convinced Trump and the GOP to make transgender issues a winning campaign issue ▶What "policy divorced from politics is onanism" actually means — and why it matters ▶The difference between "limited" and "small" government (his dad's framework) ▶What a fulfilled family actually looks like day to day ▶His "Dad-urday" tradition and how he stays present with 8 kids while running a national org ▶The Brick app — his NFC phone-blocking strategy for being more present ▶Why he believes you can't replace motherhood with a career ▶His father Bobby's story: pizza shop owner, union man, and recovering addict who ran for Congress ▶Where his personal fulfillment actually comes from (hint: it's not winning elections) ▶What he thinks a fulfilling American life looks like 10 years from now Whether you're a parent trying to protect your kids, someone thinking about marriage and family, or a policy nerd who wants to understand how real political change happens, this one's for you. Terry Schilling & American Principles Project 🌐 American Principles Project: https://americanprinciplesproject.org 🐦 Terry on X (Twitter): https://x.com/Schilling1776 📸 Terry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schilling1776 Referenced in the Episode 📱 Brick App (NFC phone blocker Terry uses): https://getbrick.com 🏛️ Ryan Anderson / Ethics & Public Policy Center: https://eppc.org 🎓 Franciscan University of Steubenville (Terry & Andy's alma mater): https://franciscan.edu 🍕 St. Giuseppe's Heavenly Pizza (the Schilling family pizza shop — search locally in the Quad Cities, IL) #FulfillmentProject #TerrySchilling #AmericanPrinciplesProject #FamilyFirst #FatherhoodMatters #ConservativeValues #ProFamily #MarriageAndFamily #PoliticalStrategy #TransRights #ChristianFaith #BigFamilyInitiative #ScreenTimeBalance #BrickApp #FulfilledLife Get full access to Fulfillment Project at fulfillmentproject.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 1m

  5. APR 13

    #54 | How to Eat for Your Values (Without Going Full Vegan) with Scott Putnam

    Scott Putnam was a lifelong, self-described "happy carnivore"... until a doctor's visit, a life in China, and one unforgettable moment in a grocery store deli line changed everything. Now he's the author of Revenge of the Herds, and he's not here to convert you.In this conversation, you'll learn: Why processed meats are classified in the same carcinogen category as cigarettes and asbestos, and why there are no warning labels. What a 10-day plant-based study revealed that stunned the doctors running it. The one change Scott says makes the biggest noticeable difference, and it's not giving up meat first. How to honestly evaluate your own food system without going to extremes. This episode is for anyone who suspects the food system has problems but isn't ready to go fully plant-based and wants a real, non-preachy conversation about it.Try this today: Eliminate dairy completely for 3–5 days — no cheese, no milk, no ice cream — and just pay attention to how you feel. Scott calls it the single most telling test you can do. #FulfillmentProject #PlantBased #FoodAndHealth 📚 Explore more conversations on leadership + parenting: SUBSCRIBE TO FULFILLMENT PROJECT today. Scott's 10 day class: https://bit.ly/41xDdkn Scott's Book: http://bit.ly/4tD7lGT Get full access to Fulfillment Project at fulfillmentproject.substack.com/subscribe

    43 min

  6. APR 6

    #53 | Health Span, Strength, and Cutting Through the Longevity BS with Paul von Zielbauer

    Aging With Strength: https://agingwithstrength.com Geezer Magazine: https://geezermagazine.com How do you age with strength without falling for longevity scams? In this episode of The Fulfillment Project, Andy Leonard sits down with Pulitzer‑nominated journalist Paul von Zielbauer, creator of Aging With Strength, to cut through the noise around supplements, fitness fads, and the so‑called “longevity industrial complex.” Paul explains why healthspan matters more than lifespan, how to build real strength after 40 (without destroying your joints), and how to spot red flags when influencers and doctors are selling expensive longevity theater. This is a grounded, no‑BS conversation about strength training, aging well, bone density, balance, brain health, and living fully into the years you actually have.👇 In this episode, we cover: Why living longer isn’t the goal. Living healthier is The biggest mistakes people make starting strength training after 40 How to build muscle, balance, and bone density without a gym Why most supplements don’t work (and which ones might) How to spot longevity scams and hidden financial incentives The “eat and move like it’s 1899” framework for simple health Why social connection may matter more than any supplement Listener note: This episode contains occasional strong language as part of a candid, educational conversation. Get full access to Fulfillment Project at fulfillmentproject.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 3m

  7. MAR 30

    #52 | Purpose with Dr. Vic Strecher

    Vic's App: https://www.purposeful.io/ Vic's book: https://tinyurl.com/fulfillmentproject Vic's course available online: https://tinyurl.com/fulfillmentprojectcourse Promos: https://perfectsnacks.com/collections/bars https://freshpressedoliveoil.com/ -- -- -- -- -- In this episode of The Fulfillment Project, Andy Leonard sits down with Dr. Vic Strecher, professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, behavioral scientist, and one of the world’s leading researchers on the science of purpose. After the sudden death of his 19‑year‑old daughter, Julia, Vic was forced to confront a question many of us avoid until life makes it unavoidable: What actually makes a life worth living? Drawing from decades of research, neuroscience, psychology, and his own personal story, Vic explains how living with purpose fundamentally changes: - How we respond to stress - How we cope with grief and anxiety - How we make decisions under pressure - How long and how well we live In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why purpose is biological, not just philosophical - How purpose reshapes the brain and calms the fear center (amygdala) - Why people with purpose are more resilient, healthier, and less likely to become depressed - Why success, money, and prestige often fail to deliver fulfillment - How purpose evolves across seasons of life, loss, and transition - Why most people live as “wallflowers”, and how to step onto the dance floor of life - The difference between chasing outcomes and living in alignment with purpose - How purpose helps people survive trauma, poverty, and profound suffering Vic also breaks down practical ways to start building purpose today, even if you feel lost, overwhelmed, or stuck: How to identify what truly matters to you Why responsibility and service are powerful sources of meaning How daily intention shapes long‑term fulfillment Why purpose gives people hope, especially when life feels unfair This episode is for you if: - You feel busy but unfulfilled - You’ve been successful but still feel something is missing - You’re navigating grief, transition, or burnout - You want a science‑backed framework for meaning and resilience - You want to live with urgency, clarity, and depth — not sleepwalk through life As Vic explains, purpose isn’t a motivational poster. It’s a force that shapes how we suffer, how we endure, how we choose, and how we live. 🎧 Listen in — and ask yourself what kind of life you’re building. About Dr. Vic Strecher Dr. Strecher is the author of Life on Purpose and On Purpose, creator of the Purposeful framework and app, and host of the Purposecast podcast. His work bridges science, storytelling, and lived experience to help people live longer, healthier, more meaningful lives. If this conversation resonated with you: ✅ Like the video ✅ Subscribe to the channel ✅ Share it with someone searching for purpose New episodes of The Fulfillment Project explore purpose, leadership, fulfillment, resilience, and what it means to live a fully integrated life. Get full access to Fulfillment Project at fulfillmentproject.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 7m

  8. MAR 23

    #51 | Building a Financial System for the New Economy - With Tamara Laine

    Is the credit system broken for gig workers, creators, and non‑traditional earners? In this episode of Fulfillment Project, Andy Leonard sits down with Tamara Laine, Emmy‑award‑winning journalist turned FinTech founder and the creator of MPWR, a platform rethinking how credit and capital are accessed in the new economy. More than 50% of the U.S. workforce now earns income outside of traditional W‑2 jobs, yet millions are still denied loans because the financial system wasn’t built for how people work today. Tamara shares how MPWR uses AI, explainable decision‑making, and ethical design to help lenders responsibly say yes to more people—without sacrificing compliance or fairness. This conversation goes beyond fintech. We explore failure, risk‑taking, leadership, fulfillment, ethical AI, and why loving the journey matters more than chasing outcomes. In this episode, we cover: - Why traditional credit scoring fails gig workers and creators- How AI can expand access to credit without becoming surveillance - What “explainability” means in regulated industries like lending- The concept of owning your own credit identity (credit IP) - Why failure feels catastrophic—but rarely is - Ethical AI, bias, and why diversity matters in system design - Leadership lessons from building teams smarter than yourself Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, creator, leader, or someone navigating the modern economy, this episode will change how you think about money, systems, and opportunity. 👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations on fulfillment, leadership, purpose, and building a meaningful life 👉 Share this episode with someone working in the gig or creator economy 👉 Comment below: Was the credit system built for you? About the Guest: Tamara Laine is the founder of MPWR, a FinTech company building AI‑powered infrastructure to expand fair lending for the new economy. She is an Emmy‑award‑winning journalist, advisor to startups, and advocate for ethical, transparent technology.#Leadership #FailureToSuccess #NewEconomy Non-Promotion-Promotion: Fuel your day with clean protein — grab Perfect Bar: https://perfectsnacks.com/collections/barsCheck out their channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/PerfectSnacks Get full access to Fulfillment Project at fulfillmentproject.substack.com/subscribe

    55 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Trying to figure out the secret to life, one question at a time. Join the conversation at fulfillmentproject.substack.com. fulfillmentproject.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Fulfillment Project with: Andy Leonard
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Andy Leonard
  • Show Website
    Fulfillment Project

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