Ten Thousand Miles

Vic Pepe
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED DAILY

The road to success is full of hard work and determination. It is never easy - you just learn to handle hard... Here, I interview people who "make it look easy" but leave it all on the field daily to do so.

  1. FEB 2

    Not Just Whitesnake - The Many Lives Of Joel Hoekstra - EP98

    https://www.instagram.com/joelhoekstra13 https://www.youtube.com/@joelhoekstra13 http://www.joelhoekstra.com/ In this episode, Vic Pepe interviews renowned guitarist Joel Hoekstra to explore his journey from classical music to rock stardom. Joel shares his early influences, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses his experiences in various bands, his time at GIT, and the transition to Broadway, highlighting the importance of preparation and musicianship in achieving success in the music industry. In this engaging conversation, Joel Hoekstra shares his remarkable journey through the music industry, detailing his experiences with Broadway, Night Ranger, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He discusses the pivotal moments that led to his audition for Whitesnake and reflects on David Coverdale's legacy. Joel emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and the support of fellow musicians in achieving success. He also introduces his upcoming album 'From the Fade' and his side project Hoekstra's 13, showcasing his evolution as an artist. Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success

    1h 16m

  2. JAN 26

    How Curiosity and Learning Can Shape Your Career- Marc Jorgensen - EP97

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcjorgensen/ In this episode, Vic Pepe and Marc Jorgensen delve into the journey of self-learning and personal growth, reflecting on their 24-year professional relationship. They discuss how their early experiences in technology shaped their careers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the willingness to embrace new challenges. Marc shares his mantra, 'How hard can it be?', inspired by a British TV personality, which encapsulates his approach to tackling unfamiliar tasks. The conversation highlights the significance of metacognition—understanding one's own learning processes—and how it can lead to greater independence and confidence in problem-solving. They also touch on the role of technology and AI in facilitating learning, stressing that while tools like ChatGPT can provide answers, true understanding comes from engaging with the material and asking the right questions. Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success

    47 min

  3. JAN 19

    Anxiety Is The Signal Of Growth - EP96

    https://a.co/d/hkAKbck https://a.co/d/e3E9Gir In this episode, Vic Pepe shares his personal journey of navigating change and how it has shaped his life and career. He reflects on his early aspirations of becoming a musician, the challenges he faced in college, and his eventual transition into the music industry. Through storytelling, he illustrates how he embraced change, learned from experience, and leveraged his passion for music to build a successful career in technology. Vic emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the mindset required to thrive in a rapidly changing world, especially amid technological advancements such as AI. Vic also discusses his upcoming book titled "Change: How to Turn Life Shifts into Strength and Freedom," which aims to help others understand and manage their feelings of anxiety and uncertainty during times of change. He encourages listeners to view discomfort as a sign of growth and to seek out opportunities for learning and development. The episode serves as both a personal narrative and a motivational guide for anyone facing transitions in their lives. Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success

    30 min

  4. JAN 12

    I started a podcast almost 2 years ago - You Can Too! - EP95

    In this solo episode, Vic changes up the format and answers a question he gets all the time: why did you start a podcast? Recording from Aruba, Vic pulls back the curtain on the real story behind launching the show. He shares how a conversation with Adam Curry, known as the Podfather and one of the original pioneers of podcasting, planted the seed. From there, Vic walks through how the podcast came to life, the early gear choices, the learning curve, and why consistency and what he calls stickability matter more than perfection. Vic dives into the realities of podcasting that most people do not talk about. The costs, the lack of early monetization, the grind of putting out episodes that only friends and family watch, and the slow build that separates those who quit from those who keep going. He explains how the show evolved from early, lightly structured conversations into more intentional, better prepared episodes while still preserving authenticity and flow. This episode also highlights the unexpected rewards of podcasting. The relationships built, the caliber of guests that now reach out organically, and the opportunity to help others tell their story, especially people navigating career transitions or rebuilding after setbacks. Vic shares how one guest often leads to another and how curiosity, courage, and asking sometimes open doors far above your perceived weight class. Along the way, Vic offers practical advice for anyone considering starting a podcast. You do not need perfect gear. You do not need to be an expert. You do need consistency, preparation, and a willingness to show up week after week even when the numbers are small. This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at 95 episodes of learning, growth, failure, resilience, and momentum. Whether you are thinking about starting a podcast, building a platform, or simply staying committed to something that matters to you, this episode is a reminder that progress compounds when you keep showing up. If you have ever wondered what podcasting is really like beyond the highlight reels, this episode is for you. Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success

    29 min

  5. JAN 5

    The Sunday Test - A Reflection On Work Anxiety - Coach T Part II - EP94

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-palmucci-b0a8a3103/ https://twrmindset.com/ Do you pass the Sunday Test? In Part Two of this conversation, Vic Pepe sits down with Coach T to explore one of the most overlooked, but most revealing indicators of career alignment and personal wellbeing. Inspired by a scene from A Bronx Tale and the famous “door test,” Vic introduces a powerful modern version for professionals. The Sunday Test. It is simple, but brutal: How do you feel on Sunday morning? Do you wake up calm and ready for the week? Or do you wake up with anxiety, dread, and that heavy weight on your chest? Vic shares his personal story of failing the Sunday Test for years, including the moment he realized the cost of staying stuck in a toxic culture was higher than any paycheck, title, or stock vesting schedule. Together, Vic and Coach T unpack: • Why Sunday anxiety becomes “normal” in high-pressure careers • The invisible fear patterns that trap people in toxic environments • The myth that you are “limited” to your current company or industry • How impostor syndrome creeps in and how to shut it down fast • Why transferable skills matter more than industry experience in leadership • The early warning signs that your role is turning against you • Why staying for stock options can become a dangerous trade for your health • How to take control of your career before the company does it for you • The reality of executive tenure and why leaders must plan their exits early This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained by a role that once felt like a dream. If your Sundays feel heavy, this conversation could change the way you think about your career, your health, and your next move. ⸻ Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, mindset, career strategy, and personal reinvention. #Leadership #CareerGrowth #SundayScaries #WorkStress #ExecutiveLeadership #ImposterSyndrome #ProfessionalDevelopment #ToxicWorkplace #Mindset #Reinvention #CoachT Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success

    37 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Executive Presence - Real or Fake? - Coach T - EP93

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-palmucci-b0a8a3103/ https://twrmindset.com/ In this conversation, Vic Pepe and Coach T. delve into the concept of executive presence, exploring its definition, importance, and the various components that contribute to it. They discuss the significance of communication, self-regulation, and storytelling in enhancing one's executive presence. The dialogue also touches on the debate surrounding the validity of executive presence and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Practical tips for improvement and the impact of personal stories on gravitas are highlighted, culminating in a reflection on the journey of self-awareness and growth in professional settings. Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success

    47 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Locked Up - The Story of a Real World LockBit Ransomware Attack - Zach Lewis - EP92

    Order Zach's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394357044 Find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharylewis1/ In this episode, I sit down with Zack Lewis, veteran IT and cybersecurity executive and author of the forthcoming book Locked Up: Lessons Learned from a Real-World LockBit Ransomware Response. Zack shares a gripping first-person account of navigating a live ransomware attack carried out by one of the most notorious groups in the world, LockBit. This is not a theoretical conversation. It is a behind-the-scenes look at what actually happens when an organization is locked out of its systems, forced into high-stakes decisions, and pushed to its operational and emotional limits. Zack walks us through the crisis as it unfolded, how negotiations with LockBit really work, and the lessons every technical and business leader should understand before an attack ever happens. What We Cover in This Episode • The moment Zack realized the organization was under a full-scale ransomware attack • What LockBit is and why they are one of the most dangerous ransomware groups operating today • The real decision-making pressure faced by leadership during an active cyber crisis • How negotiations with ransomware groups actually happen and what most people misunderstand • Technical strategies used to limit damage and prevent catastrophic data loss • Crisis management lessons that apply far beyond cybersecurity • The emotional toll ransomware events take on teams and leaders • Why preparation is as much about people and process as it is about technology Key Takeaways • Ransomware response is a leadership challenge as much as a technical one • Clear communication and decision ownership matter under extreme pressure • Preparation before an incident determines outcomes during the incident • Real-world experience offers lessons that frameworks and checklists cannot About the Guest Zack Lewis is a seasoned IT and cybersecurity executive with deep experience leading organizations through high-risk security events. His forthcoming book, Locked Up, is a candid, darkly funny, and deeply instructive account of responding to a real LockBit ransomware attack at a major university. The book is essential reading for IT professionals, cybersecurity leaders, business executives, and anyone responsible for business continuity and risk management in higher education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations. Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success

    1h 11m

  8. 12/15/2025

    One Of The Greatest Voices In Rock and Roll - Dino Jelusik - EP91

    @DinoJelusickOfficial https://www.instagram.com/dinojelusick/ Dino Jelusick Interview | Career Journey, Discipline, and Mastery | Ten Thousand Miles Podcast In this episode of Ten Thousand Miles, host Vic Pepe sits down with world-class vocalist Dino Jelusick to unpack his career journey in the rock and metal music industry. Dino shares how he developed his voice at a young age, earned recognition as a prodigy, and went on to work with legendary musicians and bands across the globe. This conversation explores what it truly takes to build a long-term career in music, including discipline, consistency, mental toughness, and creative evolution. We go beyond the stage and into the mindset required to perform at the highest level year after year. Dino opens up about pressure, expectations, setbacks, and the personal growth that comes from committing fully to your craft. This episode is for musicians, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone pursuing mastery in a competitive field. Topics covered in this episode: • Dino Jelusick’s career journey and early success • Vocal mastery and developing elite-level skill • Discipline, work ethic, and longevity in music • Navigating the modern music industry • Mental toughness, pressure, and performance • Lessons from collaborating with top-tier musicians Ten Thousand Miles is a podcast focused on the journey behind success, exploring the habits, decisions, and mindset that shape high performers. Subscribe for more interviews with world-class performers, founders, and leaders Like the video to support the channel Comment with your biggest takeaway from this episode Keywords: Dino Jelusick interview, Dino Jelusick podcast, Ten Thousand Miles podcast, rock vocalist interview, metal singer career, music career journey, vocal mastery, music industry podcast, artist mindset, high performance podcast Please Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe! #shorts #shortsfeed #podcast #leaders #stories #podcast #courage #business #Success #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #GoalSetting #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #LifeGoals #PositiveThinking #AchieveYourGoals #SuccessMindset #LeadershipSkills #MotivationalQuotes #SuccessTips #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalVideos #SuccessStories #money #life #rockandroll #music #CEO #COO #CFO #CAO #nextjob #goodtimes #success

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The road to success is full of hard work and determination. It is never easy - you just learn to handle hard... Here, I interview people who "make it look easy" but leave it all on the field daily to do so.

Information

  • Creator
    Vic Pepe
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Ten Thousand Miles
  • Show Website
    Ten Thousand Miles