Balancing Ambition and Stoicism

What happens when you’ve already "arrived"? During a recent keynote Q&A, Andy was hit with a curveball: "What if I already love my job and I don't want to do anything different?" While Andy usually preaches setting a vision for "what's next," he realizes that for many, "what's now" is exactly where they want to be. In this episode, Andy explores how to own your career without climbing a ladder you don't care about—and why "loving your job" shouldn't be a synonym for "standing still" in the fast-paced world of 2026.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

In this thought-provoking episode, Andy challenges the traditional American mindset of "save now, live later." Drawing from the core philosophy of the book Die With Zero, he explores the reality that there are no right or wrong decisions—only trade-offs. Whether it’s moving your family across the world or taking a mid-career sabbatical, Andy discusses why "irresponsible" is often just a judgment term for someone else’s courage to live in the present.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It’s a big day in the Storch household—Andy’s daughter is turning 12! Recording from a quiet moment in the park, Andy gets vulnerable about the "parenting paradox": the deep nostalgia for the cuddly, needy years of early childhood versus the immense pride in watching a child become their own person. This episode explores how to navigate the bittersweet transitions of life, whether you’re watching a child grow up, grieving the end of a professional "golden era," or moving on from a friendship that no longer fits.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Every professional speaker’s nightmare: being introduced to a crowd of 100+ people and being physically (or digitally) unable to take the stage. In this episode, Andy shares a "cautionary tale" from a recent virtual keynote that was derailed by a new Microsoft Teams security feature. Whether you are a facilitator, a leader, or an external consultant, this is a must-listen guide on navigating the tech hurdles of 2026 and why the "Tech Check" is more important than ever.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Following up on his recent AI networking event in Barcelona, Andy dives deep into the "why" behind career ownership in 2026. With the AI revolution creating unprecedented uncertainty, Andy argues that the only way to avoid being "left behind" is to trade a passive mindset for an innovative, growth-oriented one. Whether you are an employee or an entrepreneur, the message is clear: Fortune favors the bold, but it specifically rewards those who take 100% responsibility for their future.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Is the "SaaS-pocalypse" finally here? Andy recently attended an AI networking event in Barcelona with a group of tech expats and locals to see how real entrepreneurs are using these tools in 2026. From building custom agents to the "Wild West" feel of the current market, Andy breaks down why the most powerful AI strategy isn't found in a search engine—it’s found in a 10-minute side conversation with a friend.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Between the ongoing Warner Bros.-Netflix merger drama, the second government shutdown of 2026, and the breakneck speed of AI developments, it feels like the world is on fire 24/7. In this episode, Andy addresses the "obligation" many feel to stay glued to the news cycle. He shares why he’s traded cable news for headlines and why protecting your mental space is a productive—not passive—choice.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Big news for the "ear-readers" out there! Andy announces that the audiobook for his latest book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career (co-authored with Mike Kim), is officially live on Amazon, Audible, and Spotify. In this transparent episode, Andy dives into why it took a few extra months to hit the digital shelves, how his personal media habits created a "procrastination blind spot," and the technical metadata snags that remind us all: details matter—especially to the Amazon AI.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Andy returns from his cycling training camp in Girona with a few scrapes, a bit of "bonking," and a massive lesson in humility. After attempting the 100km "long ride" and facing everything from washed-out bridges to mechanical failures, Andy realized that the secret to success isn't just physical stamina—it’s the courage to ask "dumb" questions. This episode is a deep dive into the grit required to push your limits and the wisdom of putting your ego aside to learn from the best.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

In this follow-up to his Girona cycling trip, Andy Storch dives into a nuanced take on the "Experiences vs. Things" debate. While the common wisdom is to favor memories over material goods, Andy identifies a powerful third category: things that serve as catalysts for experiences.Using his 2.5-year journey with a gravel bike as a case study, Andy explores how the right "thing" can unlock health, community, and a deeper connection to the world around you.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.