[Ep. 21] Susan Powter: From "Stop the Insanity" fame to a tech-powered comeback

In this powerful episode of Beyond Connected, we sit down with wellness icon Susan Powter for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we've ever had. After disappearing from the spotlight at the height of her fame, Susan opens up about financial collapse, exploitation, isolation, and surviving rock bottom.   And there's one huge reason why this story belongs on our show: technology did not destroy her life. It helped save it.   This episode is about how digital platforms, technological autonomy, and direct to audience technology allowed Susan to rebuild her identity, income, and voice in a world that had moved on without her.   This is not just a comeback story. It is a survival story powered by the internet.   In this episode, we explore:   • How Susan started her viral infomercial career • Why she walked away at the height of her fame • How gig economy tech was her lifeline for years • The creator economy as a tool for independence and ownership • Turning audience connection into digital ownership • Why technology can be a tool for survival not distraction   Susan shares how she now uses TikTok, Instagram, podcasts, digital storefronts, and direct distribution to own her work, control her content, and rebuild on her terms.   "Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter," executive produced by Jamie Lee Curtis, is now streaming on Amazon Prime. And her new book "And Then Em Died..." is available on Amazon for purchase.    Follow Susan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susanpowter/?hl=en Follow Susan on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@susanpowter   Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.   Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.   Chapters 0:30 - Intro 2:00 - Stop the Insanity 3:25 - Welcome Susan Powter 5:10 - How Susan Got Started 7:16 - Behind-the-Scenes Issues 7:55 - Susan Walked Away 8:51 - The Original Influencer 9:36 - Celebrity Encounter 10:57 - Joan Rivers' Influence 12:22 - Susan's New Documentary 15:23 - Hitting Rock Bottom 18:31 - Susan's Energy Saved Her 20:22 - Reclaiming Her Voice  21:39 - New Doc Opening Doors 22:12 - How Susan Stayed Fit 23:51 - New Tech Fueled Comeback 24:40 - Inside Susan's New Book