Why I Left

Hosted by Brian Aquart

Business Careers Entrepreneurship Health Fitness

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Episodes

116

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Why I Left tells real stories from real people about the bold career moves that changed their lives. Hosted by Brian Aquart, the show goes beyond resignations to uncover courage, clarity, and growth in the face of change. Each episode offers honest reflections, lessons learned, and practical insights for anyone considering a pivot, navigating uncertainty, or seeking inspiration for their next chapter. We don’t talk about resignations enough, this podcast makes sure we do.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 11251 min

Leaving Law to Reclaim Rest, Voice, and Agency with Dana T. Weekes

Send a message to the showDana T. Weekes had built the kind of career many people work years to reach. As a lawyer and policy advocate, she worked on complex legislative and regulatory issues, represented major clients, and became known for high-stakes problem solving. But behind the success, she was exhausted, disconnected, and losing touch with her own voice.In this conversation, Dana shares why 2020 became the culmination point after years of 12 to 14 hour days, pandemic-era crisis work, and the emotional weight of showing up for everyone but herself. She talks about trying to resign, being offered a sabbatical, taking a full year to focus on rest, and eventually founding Thrive Architects. She also shares the deeper meaning behind The Rest of Us podcast, where she explores rest as self-liberation for advocates and professionals who give so much of themselves.This episode is for anyone questioning whether the path they worked so hard to build is still the right one. Dana offers a grounded look at courage, identity, rest, and what it means to stop succeeding on someone else’s mountain.Content note: This conversation includes a brief mention of suicidal ideation and mental health.Stay connected with Dana T. WeekesWebsite: https://thethrivearch.com/ Podcast: https://therestofuspodcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-tenille-weekes/ Substack: https://therestofuspodcast.substack.com/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=6p1t9m Work with Brian AquartStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work. Learn more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I LeftVisit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

June 9, 2026Episode 11145 min

Who Are You Without the Uniform? - Oakland McCulloch

Send a message to the showSome careers do more than give you a job. They give you structure, identity, mission, and a sense of belonging. For retired Lieutenant Colonel Oak McCulloch, leaving the Army meant more than stepping away from a role. It meant learning who he was without the uniform.In this conversation, Brian talks with Oak about his transition out of military service, the grief of leaving behind a deeply rooted identity, and the surprise of entering civilian leadership spaces where mission, urgency, and communication were understood very differently. Oak shares how he moved from the Army into service-oriented work at a food bank, then into leadership development, keynote speaking, and helping organizations build stronger leaders.This episode is for anyone who has felt loyal to a system that no longer fits, anyone rebuilding purpose after a major career shift, and anyone asking, “Who am I without this title?” Oak’s story is a reminder that service does not have to end when one chapter closes. Sometimes it becomes more personal, more deliberate, and more human.Enjoy!Stay connected with Oak McCullochWebsite: www.ltcoakmcculloch.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/oakland-mcculloch/Work with Brian AquartStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work. Learn more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I LeftVisit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

June 2, 2026Episode 11045 min

Leaving Education to Rebuild a Life Around Financial Healing - Kara Stevens

Send a message to the showMoney is rarely just about numbers. For Kara Stevens, founder of The Frugal Feminista, money was tied to avoidance, shame, family stories, ambition, risk, and the question of what it really means to have enough.In this conversation, Kara shares how she moved from debt and financial avoidance to helping women heal their relationship with money. Before building The Frugal Feminista, she worked in education, eventually becoming an assistant principal. But after years of building systems, serving students, and growing her platform on the side, she realized she had reached the end of that chapter.Kara talks with Brian about leaving education, preparing financially for a major life transition, moving to Ghana with her family, and learning to build community in a new country. She also explains why money stories matter, how shame shows up for professional women, and why a powerful exit requires more than a leap of faith.This episode is for anyone who is considering a career move, questioning their relationship with money, or trying to make a values-based decision without ignoring the numbers.Enjoy!Stay connected with Kara StevensWebsite: The Frugal Feminista https://www.thefrugalfeminista.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-stevens-edm-37882b12/Book: Heal Your Relationship with Money https://thefrugalfeministastore.thrivecart.com/heal-your-relationship-with-money-book/Free resource: First three days of Heal Your Relationship with Money at https://www.thefrugalfeminista.com/community/Work with BrianStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.Learn more:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

May 26, 2026Episode 10946 min

Leaving Corporate Healthcare and Choosing Authenticity – Geoffrey Roche

Send a message to the showGeoffrey Roche left corporate healthcare after realizing that professional success could not come at the expense of personal authenticity. His decision to step away from Siemens Healthineers came during a profound period of identity, courage, and recalibration.Geoffrey is a nationally recognized voice in healthcare leadership, education, workforce strategy, and the future of work. In this conversation, he reflects on the influence of his mother, his early career in healthcare administration, the leaders who shaped him, and the corporate environment that eventually no longer felt aligned with who he was becoming.This episode is for mid-career professionals, healthcare leaders, educators, and anyone questioning whether the role they are in still fits the person they are becoming. Brian and Geoffrey explore holistic leadership, personal branding, career pivots, workplace belonging, and the importance of trusting your gut when something no longer feels healthy. Press play for a conversation about courage, clarity, identity, and choosing work that allows you to live whole.Enjoy!Stay Connected with Geoffrey RocheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymroche/Work with BrianStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.Learn more:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

May 19, 2026Episode 10843 min

How Leaving Google and Hacking the Art World Led to The Whitney - Gretchen Andrew

Send a message to the showGretchen Andrew left Google with just $5,000, no art degree, and no clear roadmap. Years later, her work, Facetune Portraits, now lives inside the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art.In this episode of Why I Left, Gretchen shares how she walked away from one of the most prestigious jobs in tech, taught herself painting online, and pioneered “Search Engine Art” by manipulating digital systems as artistic expression. Along the way, she confronted rejection, grief, gatekeeping, and the pressure of building an identity completely outside traditional institutions.This conversation is about far more than art.It’s about reinvention, self-belief, visibility, and the courage to pursue something that feels impossible before anyone else validates it. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on or wondered whether it’s too late to rebuild your life around what actually matters to you, this episode is for you.Enjoy!Stay connected with Gretchen AndrewWebsite: https://www.gretchenandrew.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-andrew/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchenandrew/Work with BrianStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.Learn more:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

May 12, 2026Episode 10757 min

Why He Left Hollywood to Reclaim His Attention - Steven Puri

Send a message to the showAt the height of a successful career in Hollywood, Steven Puri was working on some of the biggest film franchises in the world. The path forward was clear. Bigger titles. Bigger budgets. More recognition. But something didn’t sit right.What happens when you realize the system you’re succeeding in no longer reflects your values? For Steven, that moment came when he saw firsthand how success could be disconnected from meaning. The work was profitable, but it wasn’t purposeful.In this conversation, Steven shares how a health diagnosis, impending fatherhood, and growing disillusionment with the attention economy pushed him to step away from Hollywood and return to building something different. Today, he’s focused on helping people reclaim their focus through his company, The Sukha Company.This episode explores the hidden cost of distraction, the discipline of deep work, and the courage it takes to choose alignment over achievement. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of focus, flow, and how to reclaim your attention in a world designed to take it from you.Enjoy!Stay connected with Steven PuriWebsite: https://thesukha.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/Work with BrianStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.Learn more:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Thanks to our partners & sponsors: BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/whyileft and get 10% off your first month ApodcastGeek: Use Code BA10 to 10% off your first order at https://apodcastgeek.com/ Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

May 5, 2026Episode 10654 min

She Left TV News to Help Leaders Communicate Better - Karlyn Kieffer

Send a message to the showShe had the career people chase. And still chose to leave.Karlyn Kieffer spent years in television news before realizing the work no longer aligned with how she wanted to live. What followed was a shift away from visibility and toward impact.Now an executive coach and founder of Pro Tip Partners, Karlyn helps leaders communicate with clarity, think on their feet, and lead with intention. But getting there required redefining identity beyond the spotlight.This episode is for anyone questioning whether their current path still fits. If you’ve ever felt the tension between external success and internal alignment, this conversation will resonate.Enjoy!Stay connected with Karlyn KiefferWebsite: https://protippartners.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlyn-kieffer-cptm/Work with BrianStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.Learn more:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Thanks to our partners & sponsors: BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/whyileft and get 10% off your first month ApodcastGeek: Use Code BA10 to 10% off your first order at https://apodcastgeek.com/ Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

April 28, 2026Episode 10534 min

Leaving Stability to Build the Future of Healthcare – Dr. Adam Carewe

Send a message to the showHe had stability, leadership, and influence inside one of the largest healthcare systems in the country. And he still chose to leave.Dr. Adam Carewe is a practicing physician and clinical informaticist who built a reputation for driving innovation from within. But over time, he realized the system couldn’t move at the pace he believed healthcare needed.In this episode, Adam shares what led to that decision, what it cost him to walk away from stability, and how he’s now working at the intersection of medicine, AI, and digital health.If you’ve ever felt the tension between staying where you’re successful and leaving to grow, this conversation will challenge how you think about risk, identity, and what it means to build what’s next.Enjoy!Stay connected with Dr. Adam CareweWebsite: https://rewski.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-carewe/ Work with BrianStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.Learn more:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

April 21, 2026Episode 10452 min

Leaving the Newsroom to Reclaim Alignment & Identity - Aundrea Cline-Thomas

Send a message to the showAundrea Cline-Thomas spent 15 years as an Emmy-winning journalist in top markets like New York and Philadelphia before making the decision to walk away. Because she realized she was operating far below her full capacity.In this episode, Aundrea shares what led to that realization, the internal conflict of leaving something she worked so hard for, and how she approached building a new path through entrepreneurship. From financial preparation to redefining identity beyond a job title, this is a grounded look at what real career transitions require.This conversation is for anyone questioning whether success still fits, navigating misalignment, or thinking about what comes next. It’s not about quitting. It’s about clarity, strategy, and choosing differently.Enjoy!Stay connected with Aundrea Cline-ThomasWebsite: https://aundreact.com/mountain-court-media/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aundreact/The Next Nuggets Newsletter: https://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER/The Next Best Thing Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkxUkBZcqCcmc9T5heyg9wWork with BrianStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.Learn more:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

April 14, 2026Episode 10346 min

Why a PayPal Executive Walked Away to Lead Differently – Farah Hussain

Send a message to the showFarah Hussain spent more than a decade building a successful career at PayPal. From the outside, her trajectory looked like momentum. Promotions. Influence. Global impact.But internally, something had shifted.In this episode, Farah shares the moment that changed everything. A quiet realization during a coaching session that made the burnout disappear and revealed the work she truly wanted to do.We talk about the myth of corporate meritocracy, the emotional cost of high performance, and what happens when leaders stop benchmarking their success against everyone else.Farah now helps founders and executives become more effective leaders by starting with something most organizations ignore: self-awareness.This conversation is about purpose, clarity, and the courage to choose a different path.Enjoy!Stay connected with Farah HussainWebsite: https://coachingwithfarah.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farahhussain/The Pivotal Leader: https://coachingwithfarah.substack.com/Work with BrianStoryline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work.Learn more:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT1-NDl51cZbhNUzUO4lCyjVJiVcmvxS/view?usp=drive_linkStay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Thanks to our partners & sponsors: BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/whyileft and get 10% off your first month ApodcastGeek: Use Code BA10 to 10% off your first order at https://apodcastgeek.com/ Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswood, an executive branding and narrative strategy service for high-impact professionals who are stepping into a new chapter. Elevate your leadership. Command your story. Support the showInterested in sponsoring Why I Left?Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/