Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 286

What happens when you stop grinding and start walking—literally? In this episode of Cut the Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Susan Anderson, founder of Idlewild Woods and Triumph Communications, to talk about cutting ties with hustle culture and reconnecting with creativity, clarity, and the outdoors.

After nearly two decades running a successful copywriting business, Susan realized she was stuck in a mindset that equated busyness with success. What followed was a bold move: selling it all to build an off-grid entrepreneurial retreat in the Tennessee mountains. Now, Susan helps others unplug from noise, pressure, and burnout—so they can finally think again.

About Susan Anderson:
Susan is the founder of Idlewild Woods Retreat Center in Northeast Tennessee and Triumph Communications, a copywriting firm she’s run for over 20 years. A passionate advocate for creativity, nature, and slow business, Susan blends decades of entrepreneurial experience with a growing mission: helping people rediscover themselves beyond screens, status, and the hustle grind. When she’s not writing or coaching, she’s building domes, hosting retreats, or just soaking her feet in the creek with a notebook in hand.

In this episode, Thomas and Susan discuss:

• Cutting ties with hustle culture
  Susan shares how the “always-on” mentality robbed her of peace, joy, and creativity—and how stepping back opened everything up.
• The spark behind the retreat vision
  A road trip, a book, and a moment of clarity led Susan to leave it all behind and start building a mountain retreat for entrepreneurs.
• Why walking beats working (sometimes)
  Forward motion, no screen, no noise. Susan breaks down the neurological and emotional magic of simply taking a hike.
• Building something new from scratch
  From angel investors to raw land to geodesic domes—Susan shares what it really takes to bring a bold vision to life.
• Redefining what success looks like
  Today, Susan measures success not in money or metrics, but in creekside ideas, hammocks, and quality conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Nature is your greatest productivity tool
  Go outside. Unplug. Let your brain breathe. That’s where the good ideas live.
• Success isn’t always scalable
  Not every business has to 10x. Sometimes, building something meaningful is enough.
• Say no to more things
  Boundaries are powerful. Slowing down makes room for clarity.
• Don’t wait until you’re burned out
  Rest is not a reward. Make space for it before you need it.
• Your business doesn’t define you
  You get to change direction, start over, or walk away—and still be enough.
  
  

Connect with Susan Anderson:
🌐 Website: www.idyllwildwoodsretreatcenter.com
💼 LinkedIn: Susan Anderson
🖋 Triumph Communications: www.triumphcom.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Community
💼 LinkedIn:Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 E

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 285

What does it take to leave a steady government career and build something of your own? In this episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Shane Silsby, a former public sector leader turned founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors, to talk about cutting ties with stability, embracing ambiguity, and redefining success on your own terms.

After two decades serving in government leadership roles—including as a director at the sixth-largest county in the U.S.—Shane walked away from a reliable career path to build a business rooted in flexibility, impact, and freedom. But the transition wasn’t easy. From navigating the unknown to confronting financial pressure and family fears, Shane shares the mindset shift that made it all possible.

About Shane Silsby:
Shane is the CEO and founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors, where he provides fractional executive services to local governments and strategic guidance to private sector clients seeking to work with public agencies. With over 20 years in government leadership and now years in entrepreneurial consulting, Shane blends insider knowledge with a deep understanding of both operational and policy complexity. He’s also the author of Managing for Meteors, helping organizations prepare for disruptive change before it strikes.

In this episode, Thomas and Shane discuss:

• Why cutting the tie to a steady paycheck is terrifying—and necessary
  Shane reveals the internal battle of leaving security behind in favor of more meaningful, high-impact work across the country.
• How corporate life wasn’t the answer either
  After a brief stint in the private sector, Shane realized real alignment came from doing things his way, not chasing profit-first mindsets.
• How to get comfortable with ambiguity
  From family pressures to financial uncertainty, Shane opens up about the daily mental challenges of solopreneurship—and how to navigate them.
• The silent tie no one talks about: spousal pressure
  In a rare moment of vulnerability, Shane shares the honest conversations with his wife about uncertainty, money, and chasing an unclear dream.
• Why 2025 requires a pivot mindset
  Whether you serve local governments or the private sector, Shane explains how agility and awareness of federal and global changes will define the next wave of entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Ambiguity is the price of freedom
  Solopreneurship means betting on yourself—even when you don’t know the odds.
• Don’t wait for certainty—act anyway
  The right time never comes. Move forward, even in the fog.
• Corporate doesn't always mean comfortable
  Sometimes, the “safe” move turns out to be just another box.
• Your spouse is part of the journey
  If you’re making big career changes, bring your partner into the conversation. Often.

Connect with Shane Silsby:
📘 LinkedIn: Shane Silsby
🌐 Website: silsby-sa.com
📧 Email: shane@silsby.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Community
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 282

Marisa Vallbona never intended to start a PR firm—but a surprise layoff while on maternity leave changed everything. In this inspiring episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich speaks with the founder and president of CIM Inc PR about how getting fired became the best thing that ever happened to her. Marisa shares the lessons she’s learned across 35 years in business, from building a service-first company to firing clients who don’t align with her values.

She talks candidly about overcoming ego, leaning on faith, and the power of optimism in building a life and business you love.

About Marisa Vallbona:
Marisa is the president and founder of CIM Inc PR, a national public relations firm specializing in integrated marketing across industries like real estate and consumer products. With more than 35 years of experience and a passion for high-touch client service, Marisa built her business through referrals and word-of-mouth. A proud surfer, mother, and woman of faith, Marisa lives by the principles of integrity, gratitude, and service.

In this episode, Thomas and Marisa discuss:

• Getting fired on maternity leave—and what came next
  Marisa shares how losing her job right before returning from leave led her to start a business she never planned—and never left.
• Why exceptional service builds the strongest brand
  From day one, Marisa grew her agency through word-of-mouth by delivering Ritz Carlton–level service and creating lifelong client advocates.
• How optimism and faith shaped her business
  Rooted in scripture and guided by faith, Marisa’s approach to business is grounded in service, generosity, and resilience.
• Letting go of clients who don’t align
  Marisa explains how firing toxic clients opens the door for better ones—and why you should trust that abundance will follow.
• Surfing, family, and staying grounded
  Whether she’s catching waves or co-parenting with grace, Marisa talks about staying present, grateful, and fully alive.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Sometimes rejection is redirection
  Getting fired led to a thriving business that never would have existed otherwise.
• Service over everything
  When you focus on delivering exceptional service, clients do the marketing for you.
• You define your value—not your employer
  Marisa cut the tie to letting others dictate her worth or financial future.
• Abundance beats scarcity every time
  Firing a toxic client opened the door to better, more aligned opportunities.
• Stay grounded in what matters
  Faith, family, and purpose fuel long-term success more than any metric.

Connect with Marisa Vallbona:

💼 LinkedIn: Marisa Vallbona
💼 Website: cimincpr.com/
🌊 Fun fact: She’s an avid surfer and makes regular trips to Maui to hit the waves!

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: cutthetie.com

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 281

AJ Nash didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur, but after two decades in U.S. intelligence and years in cybersecurity, his career took a sharp pivot. When private equity reshaped the company he worked for, AJ faced a choice: keep waiting for the “right” role, or start building something of his own. He chose the latter, and Unspoken Security was born.

In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich talks with AJ about how to stop letting others define your path, the real risk of relying on a W-2, and why imposter syndrome might actually be a good sign.

About AJ Nash:
AJ is the founder and CEO of Unspoken Security and host of the award-winning Unspoken Security podcast. With 19 years in U.S. intelligence—covering counterterrorism, cyber threats, trafficking, and war crimes—AJ now consults organizations on how to build intelligence-driven security programs. He’s also a frequent keynote speaker and earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership with a focus on servant leadership.

In this episode, Thomas and AJ discuss:

• Letting go of the illusion of job security
  Private equity acquisition changed everything—and pushed AJ to bet on himself.
• Becoming an accidental entrepreneur
  With no company name and contracts in hand, AJ launched Unspoken Security on instinct.
• Why imposter syndrome is a feature, not a flaw
  If you never doubt yourself, you’re probably not pushing hard enough.
• How W-2 safety is a myth
  Even top performers can get cut when the strategy changes.
• The power of saying yes to new conversations
  AJ breaks down how his natural networking mindset helped him land clients fast.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need permission to start—just a plan
  When no full-time job aligned, AJ launched a business with contracts already waiting.
• Imposter syndrome means you’re growing
  Doubt is normal when you're leveling up. It's a sign you’re doing meaningful work.
• W-2 security is a myth
  Even being great at your job doesn’t protect you when priorities shift. Own your path.
• Authenticity is a differentiator
  People work with AJ because he’s real. The suit-and-tie act never matched the mission.
• Diversify your income like you diversify your skillset
  Fractional, advisory, content, and podcasting—multiple streams build real security.
• Titles don’t change who you are—just how others react
  Becoming “CEO” didn’t make AJ different—but suddenly, doors opened faster.
  
  
  

Connect with AJ Nash:
💼 LinkedIn: AJ Nash

🌐 Website: unspokensecurity.com
📧 Email: aj@unspokensecurity.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
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Episode 280

After spending 31 years in the California prison system, Danny Darling walked out with more than just his freedom—he carried a new purpose. In this powerful episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich speaks with the founder, prison consultant, and life coach about how he broke free from rage, institutional trauma, and the cycle of incarceration to build a business that helps others do the same.

From being sentenced at 16 to helping ex-felons adjust to civilian life, Danny’s story is about healing, accountability, and radical transformation. This isn’t just a redemption story—it’s a blueprint for reclaiming your identity.

About Danny Darling:

Danny Darling is the founder of a reentry consulting business that supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through coaching, strategy, and personal empowerment. Sentenced as a teen under California’s felony murder rule, Danny served 31 years in maximum security prisons before being released in 2020. Now, he helps others cut ties to their old identities and build new lives on the outside—with empathy, grit, and truth.

In this episode, Thomas and Danny discuss:

• Prison as identity and environment
  What it’s like to go from youth to adulthood inside one of the country’s toughest prison systems.
• Cutting the tie to anger and hate
  How Danny found healing by confronting the emotion that once protected him—and kept him stuck.
• Adapting to life outside the walls
  Why sleeping with the light on or scanning parking lots is just part of the reintegration process.
• How business gives power back
  For many formerly incarcerated individuals, entrepreneurship is the only path to freedom and stability.
• The seven people you must meet in prison
  Danny teases his upcoming book and how small roles (like the guy behind the food line) can save your sanity.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• You are not what you did—unless you never grow from it
  Redemption begins with ownership and ends with reinvention.
• Cutting ties means letting go of anger
  Danny’s biggest transformation came when he dropped the emotional armor that helped him survive.
• Healing is ongoing—and real
  You don’t walk out of prison unchanged. But you can unlearn the pain over time.
• Employment is a privilege, not a guarantee
  Self-employment can be the best (and sometimes only) path forward after incarceration.
• Hope doesn’t knock. You have to build the door.
  Danny’s release came after decades of rejection—and one final breakthrough.
  
  

Connect with Danny Darling:

📘 LinkedIn: Danny Darling

📖 Book Coming Soon: The Seven Most Important People You Need to Meet When You Go to Prison

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 instantlyrelevant.com

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

Episode 279

Christine Sugrue spent 25 years in education as a Brooklyn middle school teacher—but a simple scooter ride changed everything. In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Christine to talk about the leap from classroom to founder, the mindset shift from “just a teacher” to entrepreneur, and why you don’t need to wait for permission to start.

Christine shares how her small business idea, sparked by a friend’s family trip, evolved into Scoot, a micro scooter rental service helping kids explore NYC like locals. From burnout to bold moves, Christine reveals the power of trusting yourself even when it feels scary—and how AI gave her the early momentum to launch.

About Christine Sugrue:
Christine is the founder of Scoot, a micro scooter rental company for kids visiting New York City. With a background in education and a deep understanding of what brings kids joy, she combined her experience and entrepreneurial spirit to help families have more fun, less fatigue, and truly memorable NYC adventures. Christine is also a passionate advocate for late bloomers, reinvention, and saying yes before you’re ready.

In this episode, Thomas and Christine discuss:

• Leaving the classroom:
  Burnout from 25 years in education led Christine to reimagine her purpose—for herself and her family.
• The accidental business idea:
  A casual favor for a friend’s kid sparked Scoot, a unique scooter rental concept with real market demand.
• How AI helped her start:
  Tools like ChatGPT and Canva gave her the momentum to move from “what if” to “why not.”
• The identity crisis of reinvention:
  Letting go of being “just a teacher” took emotional work—but unlocked personal and professional growth.
• Why starting scrappy works:
  Christine didn’t wait for perfection—she took action, pitched boldly, and built as she went.

Key Takeaways:

• Your identity isn’t your job title
  You’re not limited to what’s printed on a contract. Reinvention starts when you give yourself permission.
• Sometimes a great idea just needs space to breathe
  A moment of inspiration—paired with action—can turn into something far bigger than you imagined.
• You don’t need permission to try something new
  Waiting for the “right” moment is just fear in disguise. Start before you feel ready.
• Burnout is often a signal—not a failure
  When you feel drained, it’s time to realign—not double down.
• Validation often comes from strangers, not friends
  The proof that your idea is real often shows up in the people who don’t know you—but still say yes.
• Starting ugly is better than never starting
  You can refine it later. Take the first step now.
  
  
  

Connect with Christine Sugrue:
🛴 Website: https://www.skootbk.com/

📸 Instagram: @skootbk
💼 LinkedIn: Christine Sugrue

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich

📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group

💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich

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