Welcome back to The Pulse of the Midwest—a mini-series on The Eric Mueller Show spotlighting elite creators and changemakers rising straight out of the heartland.
In Episode 2, we sit down with powerhouse fitness and nutrition expert Vusa Bentley, whose mission blends physical endurance with purpose-driven action.
From Navy SEAL-inspired workouts to raising money across all 50 states, Vusa is redefining what it means to push limits from the inside out. Her “United We Plank” tour isn’t just about holding a world-record plank. It’s about creating space for growth, community, and personal transformation.
Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Vusa combines deep emotional resilience work with a mind-body-soul approach through her FitNut program. Whether she’s speaking to organizations, training clients, or raising two incredible boys, Vusa leads with strength, presence, and purpose.
This is a conversation about finding your “why,” honoring your body, and living with fierce intentionality. Tap in, because the Midwest is showing up strong, and this story will move you.
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” - Vusa Bentley
Highlights of the episode:
● Training mental and emotional endurance—not just physical
● The deeper mission behind Vusa’s United We Plank tour
● Her journey to “Nomad’s Land” during a plank session
● The role of loss, legacy, and love in building resilience
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Welcome to the first-ever installment of Pulse of the Midwest—a brand-new mini-series on The Eric Mueller Show spotlighting elite creators emerging from the heartland.
We’re kicking it off with a powerhouse: Pelly—a genre-bending rapper whose story proves that even the quietest towns can create the loudest impact.
From small-town silence to viral explosion, Pelly's journey is one of perseverance, passion, and staying true to your why. His track “Goku,” inspired by his love for anime, simmered in the background for years—until TikTok launched it into the stratosphere with over 550,000 shares. Add in 15M+ streams, NBA/NFL placements, and collabs with Twista and T.I., and you’ve got a story you don’t want to miss.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How Pelly found his voice through anime, rap legends, and Midwest roots
• What it really takes to break through when there’s no scene around you
• The moment “Goku” exploded—and how it reshaped his future
• Why the next level isn’t always upward—it’s inward
• Discovering your why and freeing yourself from creative limits
• The evolving music and creator culture in the Midwest
• Do you really need to move to a “music Mecca” to make it as an artist
We get real about ego, purpose, and the pressure to relocate for success. Pelly drops gems on staying grounded while building global momentum—and how Redemption, Game Time, and Winner’s Win aren’t just tracks, but a mindset.
Catch the Pulse—because the Midwest is rising.
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Serena Baleja is part strategist, part connector, and all about the human touch in a world of automation.
With 8+ years of experience leading influencer campaigns for luxury travel and billion-dollar consumer tech brands, she knows what works—and what’s just noise. Now, as the founder of Socialite CRM, she’s on a mission to bring powerful, ROI-focused influencer tools to the small biz world...without the bloated price tag.
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In this special re-release, I want to honor the memory of Bob Kierlin by sharing the very first interview on The Eric Mueller Show—it was also his first time on a podcast. Bob’s wisdom, humility, and generosity left a lasting impact on me, and I hope his words continue to inspire you as well. Thank you, Bob, for your kindness and leadership. I’ll always cherish this conversation. Rest in peace.
“Success is the ability to bring out the potential in other people.” – Bob Kierlin
Bob’s obituary:
• https://www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Bob-Kierlin?obId=36549016
Share a memory in Bob’s tribute book:
• https://www.tributebook.com/domains/ec59793a-fedf-47db-a110-4c78c2f9e634/obituaries/36549016/book#
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Are you ready to break down the barriers to entrepreneurship? In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Scott, Head of Underserved Entrepreneurship at Startup Junkie, to explore how anyone—regardless of background—can turn their business dreams into reality.
Claudia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, from helping entrepreneurs secure Kiva microloans to providing no-cost consulting services for startups. She shares her journey of empowering underserved communities, navigating cultural differences, and staying grounded in her passions.
Claudia’s story will inspire you to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and believe anyone can start a business.
Highlights of the episode:
• What is a Kiva microloan, and how can it help aspiring entrepreneurs?
• Overcoming language barriers and bridging cultural gaps in business.
• Understanding your passions and working within your limitations.
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Are you ready to cut through the noise and create a brand that truly stands out? This week, I’m joined by Pia Silva, a powerhouse entrepreneur, speaker, and author dedicated to helping small branding agencies scale their businesses while working less.
As the founder of No BS Agency Mastery, Pia has coached countless entrepreneurs to build profitable, efficient businesses. She’s the author of the bestselling book Badass Your Brand, a TED speaker, and the driving force behind Worstofall Design, a branding agency known for crafting “Badass Brands without the BS.”
Pia’s journey is packed with insights on turning expertise into profit and building authentic confidence in business. Whether you’re a branding professional or an entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, this episode is for you.
Highlights of the episode:
• The 50-25-25 Rule to Profit & Freedom
• How to niche down based on data, not guesswork
• Why scarcity mindset limits generosity and growth
• Strategies to grow your brand without the BS
Additional resources:
• Badass Your Brand: The Impatient Entrepreneur’s Guide to Turning Expertise into Profit by Pia Silva
• No BS Agency Mastery – Book a Call with Pia
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What does success mean to you? For author, personal development expert, and motivational speaker Kayla Logue, it’s about you defining success on your own terms. In this episode of The Eric Mueller Show, Kayla shares her powerful journey from the real estate industry to founding her non-profit, Move Into Words, where she advocates for self-discovery, growth, and confidence through the transformative power of journaling and sustainable health habits.
Kayla’s new book, Always Squeezing Lemons, is a guide to turning life’s challenges into opportunities. Through "lemon drops" and reflective journal prompts, she empowers readers to break free from societal expectations and discover what success truly means for them.
Tune in as Kayla opens up about her journey, shares the key habits in her Success Portfolio, and reveals how you can start living life on your own terms. Whether you’re looking for a fresh perspective on personal development or need that motivational spark, this episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and practical tips you don’t want to miss.
Discover how to squeeze the most out of life’s lemons!
Highlights of the episode:
• “Your mental narrative is your greatest asset or your Achilles’ heel”
• The more you help people, the more success comes with it
Additional resources:
• Always Squeezing Lemons by Kayla Logue
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Are you ready to bust some crypto myths? I’m joined by Dr. Tonya M. Evans, a powerhouse in blockchain, intellectual property, and cutting-edge tech. Dr. Evans isn’t just any expert—she’s a professor at Penn State Dickinson Law, a 2023 EDGE in Tech Athena Award winner, and a sought-after consultant who’s testified before Congress on crypto regulation. We’re diving deep into the uncharted waters of Web3, breaking down the legal and regulatory hurdles that entrepreneurs face, and uncovering the truth about digital assets.
If you’re curious about what it takes to navigate the crypto world and want insights from someone who’s at the forefront of innovation, you won’t want to miss this episode!
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Dive deep into the world of lead generation and business growth with Philip Smith, founder of All In One Marketing. Philip has achieved remarkable success, making the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies five times—as a solopreneur. He’s partnered with Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington, revolutionizing how brands approach marketing.
In this episode, Philip shares invaluable insights on how to prepare for challenges without letting fear hold you back, the importance of owning your company's data, and why he believes “sales solves all problems.”
Tune in to hear the story behind his partnership with Kevin Harrington and gain practical tips for scaling your business the smart way.
Highlights of the episode:
• How Phil partnered with Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank
• Planning for what could go wrong without expecting failure
• “Sales solves all problems”
• “If you want to own a company, own the data that they need to grow”
Additional resources:
• Connect with Phil & Kevin Harrington
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How can you not only survive but thrive through life's toughest challenges? What happens when you break free from subconscious barriers holding you back?
Dr. Lise Janelle is a renowned growth accelerator coach and the creator of the groundbreaking Heart Freedom Method. Her method facilitates rapid transformation by dismantling the hidden blocks that prevent success. With appearances on CBC News and CTV’s Canada AM, Dr. Janelle has helped countless individuals overcome inner resistance and unlock their full potential.
From her early days as a top-earning chiropractor to founding the Centre for Heart Living, Dr. Lise’s journey is marked by resilience and passion. As a former championship rower and pioneer in women’s Ice Canoeing, she embraces challenges like scaling Kilimanjaro and La Haute Route in Switzerland. Now, she’s channeling that same energy into guiding others toward their own success.
In this episode, you'll experience “The Heart Freedom Method” live, witness how challenges can make you stronger, and learn what it takes to truly thrive in the face of adversity. Whether you're navigating a difficult time or seeking to elevate your life, Dr. Lise’s insights will inspire you to reach your full potential.
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How can collaboration drive innovation? What are the keys to successful partnerships?
Eli Packouz is a serial inventor and two-time founder. In 2017, he partnered with a dental scientist and an engineer to create Instafloss, the first device that automatically flosses all your teeth in just 10 seconds. After five years of research and development, Instafloss is ready to change the world, one tooth at a time.
Eli started his first company, Singular Sound, with his brother David Packouz in 2013; they have since launched eight blockbuster products together. Eli's journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and perseverance.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or curious about the invention process, this episode will inspire and motivate you to find the “right partners” for success.
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Are you ready to take your side hustle to the next level? Want to make it your full-time gig? Tune in to hear from Chris Knudsen. Discover how he got paid during a job interview, wrote the playbook for seven-figure consulting, and uncovered the shocking truth about happiness.
Highlights of the episode:
• A roadmap to leave your job
• Overcoming fear, uncertainty, and doubt
• Embracing mistakes and learning from them
• Recognizing the inflection point where a side hustle becomes self-employment
Additional resources:
• Trust Me, I’m a Consultant by Christopher Knudsen
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How do entrepreneurs make successful decisions? Imagine having a guidebook that helps you navigate these decisions with confidence. Aaron Marcum has founded and scaled several multi-million-dollar businesses, but by 2015, he was burned out and struggling to find sustainable happiness. From that point on, he has blended his entrepreneurial expertise with a background in positive psychology to develop The Entrepreneur’s Eight Laws. This guide aims to eliminate unhealthy stress, help you flourish personally, and create “The Good Life.”
Highlights of the episode:
• Are you the same person in public as you are in private?
• The importance of practice, practice, practice.
• Eight laws to guide your journey as an entrepreneur.
• What is YOUR version of the “Good Life”?
Additional resources:
• EntreThrive.com/EricMueller (Download your EntreClarity Guide)
• 10X is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan
• The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
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What does it take to build a business that earns $10 million or more? Luis Scott, founder of 8 Figure Firm, joins the show to share his proven formula for success. You’ll learn how overcoming hardships can lead to significant growth and how to accelerate any business venture to achieve 8-figure revenue.
Highlights of the episode:
• The formula for success: Motion + Intensity = Velocity
• Why you should always write a business plan
• Developing the “Whatever It Takes” mentality
Additional resources:
• It Has to Hurt by Luis Scott
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Do you need a large net worth to invest in a franchise? What about prior business experience? For over 20 years, Kim Daly has been helping people control their time and financial future by investing in the right franchise. As one of America’s top franchise consultants, Kim will match your background, interests, skills, finances, and goals to the best franchise opportunities available today. Learn why franchising is more than just food and retail, why you don’t need any prior business experience, and what you are really buying when you invest in a franchise.
Highlights of the episode:
• Finding the franchise that is the best fit for YOU
• When you invest in a franchise, you are buying the relationship
• No business experience is needed to invest in franchising
Additional resources:
• Create Wealth Through Franchising Podcast
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The of story James Arthur Ray and Bersabeh Ray is flushed with elements of redemption and perseverance, self-discovery, and resilience. In 2009, James lost everything after a tragic accident and became homeless with $20 million in debt. This is the business of redemption and how to come back from rock bottom.
Highlights of the episode:
• What to do when you hit rock bottom
• Redemption is to gain or regain by paying the price
• Progress equals fulfillment
• Success will take twice as long as you think and cost twice as much
Additional resources:
• Free eBook of The Business of Redemption
• Enlighten Us, The Rise and Fall of James Arthur Ray (Movie)
• Harmonic Wealth (Book)
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Can you achieve greatness without being a high performer? Meet Wylie McGraw, a former star pitcher, bull rider, and combat veteran. Through his intense experiences, Wylie discovered his innate ability to reveal blind spots, obliterate stress, and fully unleash the untapped potential of high achievers. Through his work with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders, Wylie empowers individuals to un-f*ck their lives by accelerating both personal and professional performance.
Highlights of the episode:
• Embrace fear to accelerate growth
• How to un-f*ck your life
• Face your demons head on to defeat them
• You uncover your deepest potential through moments of personal growth adversity
• Immerse yourself in discomfort just a little longer each time
Additional resources:
• Peak Performance: Mindset Tools for Business by Erik Seversen
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What does it take to outshine a billion-dollar giant on Google's search rankings? Where in the world should you start with building SEO for your brand? Damon Burton, a devoted husband and father of three, found himself at a crossroads over a decade ago. Armed with sheer determination, he took on a billion-dollar company and emerged victorious by outranking their website on Google. That pivotal moment ignited a fire within him, propelling him to establish an international search engine marketing empire. Along the way, Damon's company has partnered with Inc. 5000 and Shark Tank featured businesses, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the industry. Want to take your brand to the next level? Let’s dive into SEO and more with Damon!
Highlights of the episode:
• SEO Essentials: Structure, content, credibility.
• DIY SEO Kickstart: Start with minimalistic design & effective value proposition.
• Paid ads or organic leads to drive more traffic?
• Any guarantee in marketing is a red flag.
Additional resources:
• Damon’s Gift to YOU: Free SEO Book
• GTmetrix.com (Test your website’s page speed)
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Cancel culture has become a pervasive force in our society, wreaking havoc in mere moments. One ill-advised social media post or a misunderstanding can obliterate reputations, relationships, and careers. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Evan Nierman, the author of The Cancel Culture Curse and the founder of Red Banyan, a global crisis management and PR firm, to discuss this fundamentally un-American issue.
Highlights of the episode:
• Achieving a goal: Visualize it, reverse engineer it & hold yourself accountable
• How you can prevent being “canceled”
• Cancel culture would not exist without social media
Additional resources:
• The Cancel Culture Curse by Evan Nierman
• Crisis Averted by Evan Nierman
• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
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The cost of a college education continues to soar. How can parents put their kids through college without breaking the bank? Enter Brad Baldridge, a College Funding Specialist who has helped thousands of families plan and invest for college with smart and proven strategies to save time, money and stress. He will teach you how to find the right school, maximize financial aid and scholarships, avoid student loan debt, and make the college dream come true without wiping out your finances or retirement.
Highlights of the episode:
• Early-stage vs late-stage planning
• Financial discipline is the heart of saving for college
• How the cost of college is tied to family income levels
• Paying for college without earning a degree is the worst-case scenario
• “You don’t have to go to college to get an education” – Brad Baldridge
Additional resources:
• Taming The High Cost of College
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