PODCAST · business
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz
by Meg Schmitz
Inspiring conversations with real people who took the leap into business ownership, franchising, and freedom. Hosted by franchise guru, consultant and trusted small business advisor, Meg Schmitz. If you're looking to make the next phase of your life the best phase, this podcast is for you. From corporate refugees and executives tired of the desk job life, to entrepreneurs and investors looking for more support in their business journey, you'll hear from real people who stepped into the unknown, took control of their destiny and became their own boss.
Episodes
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Ep 8.22 The Long Bet
Most people wait until they have certainty before making a move. Bob Dalton's story is a reminder that the biggest opportunities often appear long before the rest of the world recognizes them—and the people who benefit most are those willing to act before the outcome is guaranteed. If you're...
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Ep 8.21 The Money Conversation Most Families Never Have
Money touches every part of life—our relationships, our confidence, our choices, and sometimes even our deepest fears. In this conversation, Jeannie Dougherty shares how personal loss, family dynamics, and hard-earned financial lessons shaped her understanding of what true financial independence...
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Ep 8.19 She Had The Title But Lost Herself
Sara Bell spent years doing what high performers are taught to do: achieve more, carry more, push through more. From the outside, the title looked impressive. But underneath the success was exhaustion, pressure, and the quiet realization that constantly holding it all together was costing her…
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Ep 8.18 Burnout Woke Her Up
For years, Kate Lewis did everything right on paper—career, responsibility, success. But beneath the surface, the pressure of holding everything together led to a deeper realization: burnout wasn't the problem... it was the warning sign. In this episode of the Free Agent Podcast, Kate shares the...
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Ep 8.17 Women, Money, and What's Changing
Money is changing—and women are at the center of it. In this episode, Barbara Provost joins Meg to unpack the Great Wealth Transfer and what it means for how women think about income, control, and long-term security in today's economy. If you're reconsidering how your current path fits into that...
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Ep 8.16 When Hard Work Stops Paying Off
Mike DeJong did everything the traditional path told him to do—work hard, stay loyal, keep climbing. But when the payoff no longer matched the effort, he started asking a better question: what if ownership is the smarter move? In this episode, Mike shares what pushed him to rethink security, how…
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Ep 8.15 She Built a Business Buyers Wanted
Most businesses spend years chasing customers. Catherine Wilson built one where demand kept rising, forcing her to solve a rarer problem—how to grow capacity without breaking the business. In this episode of Free Agent Podcast, she shares what made her company attractive to buyers, why she chose…
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Ep 8.14 Fake Security vs Real Ownership: Why she never looked back
A lot of smart people are quietly wondering if the version of security they trusted still works. In this conversation, Camille Hamilton reflects on leaving corporate life, building something of her own, and how freedom often comes with stress, responsibility, and rewards no paycheck can…
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Ep 8.13 What No One Tells You About Reinventing Yourself Mid-Career
You don't get the luxury of guessing when the stakes are this high. My conversation with Leah Rosen pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to reinvent yourself mid-career, when income, identity, and responsibility are all on the line. If you've been waiting for certainty before…
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Ep 8.12 You're Not Stuck, You're Standing Outside The Room
You're not stuck—you're standing on the edge, waiting to feel certain before you step in. In this conversation with Chad Coe, Meg exposes the quiet habit high performers fall into: trying to think their way into clarity instead of getting close enough to see what's real. If you've been circling…
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Ep 8.11 Following the System Matters More Than Experience
You don't need more experience. You need a smarter way to move. This episode breaks down why seasoned professionals still struggle when they ignore the system and how franchising removes the guesswork. If you're weighing your next move, this will challenge what you think you need before you start.
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Ep 8.10 She Took The Leap To Freedom But Where did she Land?
Kendall made the leap to freedom 2 years ago, not knowing exactly how it would unfold. At the time, her career was getting in the way of the life she wanted at home, and something had to change. Kendall updates us on what it really takes to build a life that feels like your own.
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Ep 8.9 The Risk That Finally Made Entrepreneurship Make Sense
Some people chase entrepreneurship. Others arrive there after seeing how the system really works. Jonathan Chizever spent years in commission sales watching rules change, income swing, and control stay in someone else's hands until the risk of staying put finally stopped making sense. In this...
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Ep 8.8 When "Safe" Stops Feeling Safe
If "safe" has started to feel risky, you are not imagining things. In this episode, Meg talks with Shahayra Majumder, a first-time franchise owner bringing Hydrate IV Bar to Madison, WI, about what it looks like to leave a paycheck because it no longer buys peace. They get real about the shift…
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Ep 8.7 The Trust Gap
Something feels off in leadership right now, and most people can sense it even if they can't name it. Leadership is being quietly redefined. In this episode, Meg sits down with Tim Spiker to unpack why trust begins with who you are not what you do, how insecure leadership creates real damage, and...
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Ep 8.6 The Career Wake-Up Call No One Plans For
Most career wake-up calls don't come from failure. They come when everything still looks good on paper, but your body, values, or sense of control start asking harder questions. In this episode of the Free Agent Podcast, Meg Schmitz and Dawn Mullarney talk about the moment experienced executives...
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Ep 8.5 Culture Is Your Risk Strategy
Most leaders think risk is financial, until one bad hire starts running the business from the shadows. Erin Longmoon shares how her own run of toxic workplaces shaped her mission to eradicate them, and how Zephyr Connects vets people for character, coachability, and culture fit, not just a good...
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Ep 8.4 When You Realize Your Family's Future Is On You
When income becomes less predictable, experienced leaders begin asking different questions about stability and control. In this episode, Meg Schmitz talks with business owner Samuel Espindola about what it really takes to build predictable revenue when responsibility for your family's future is…
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Ep. 8.3 When The Call Is Clear But The Path Is Messy Part 2
In Part 2 of Meg's conversation with Melinda Emerson, the focus shifts from why to who you become after you buy a business. They talk candidly about the identity corporate life creates — titles, distance from the work, and the quiet arrogance that can follow you into ownership. Melinda explains…
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Ep 8.2 When The Call Is Clear But The Path Is Messy Part 1
When the call is clear but the path feels messy, most people mistake discomfort for a stop sign. In this episode, Meg sits down with Melinda Emerson (SmallBizLady) to explore what happens after momentary ambition fades—when faith, fear, and real-world pressure collide. Melinda shares how losing...
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Ep 8.1 Don't Quit The Mission
In this episode, Bill shares how he went from SEAL training to buying a 65-year-old manufacturing company, navigating turnover, building a high-performance team, and using automation to help people earn more—not get replaced. He also opens up about stepping into (and back out of) politics, and…
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Ep 7.30 Reinventing Yourself in a Time of Rising Anxiety
Fatima didn't leave social work because she stopped caring. She left because the cost of caring became too high. After years of holding other people's trauma, her own body and spirit demanded a new kind of life. In this powerful conversation, Fatima shares how she transformed burnout into a…
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Ep 7.29 Bootstrapped and Still Standing
Matasha didn't fast-track her way into entrepreneurship — she played the long game, rebuilding her skills and timing her move while carrying the full weight of being the only income. Her story is one of patience and calculation, proof that steady planning can matter just as much as the dream...
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Ep 7.28 The Beauty of Subtraction: Why Freedom Begins with Less
Government shutdowns? Market shake-ups? Forget the panic. Meg and Chari talk about the real flex: letting go of what doesn't serve you. Because freedom doesn't come from adding more; it starts when you finally subtract.
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Ep 7.27 When the Paycheck Ends and the Real Work Begins
When the paycheck ends, the real work begins. Nail artist, Thasia Williams, shares what it really feels like to bet on yourself when the safety net disappears. From crying through uncertainty to finding purpose in creativity, she and Meg unpack what it means to lead yourself when no one's…
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Ep 7.26 Turning Beauty into Freedom
She's not waiting for permission — she's building her own stage. Instead of chasing overnight success—Josalyn's chasing proof that betting on herself is worth it. This episode is for every high achiever who's tired of talking about freedom and finally ready to get their hands dirty.
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Ep 7.25 Freedom Without the Freefall
In this milestone episode, we celebrate one year of IMAGE Studios Wauwatosa—a hub where beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship collide. 🥳 But this isn't just about a grand opening. It's a spotlight on what happens when bold vision meets real opportunity. Makayla, a first-time entrepreneur…
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Ep 7.24 Running from pain toward legacy
When the system breaks you down, some people shrink. Others rise. Samantha is walking away from a healthcare career that's eating away at her time, her health, and her spirit. She's building Skinship Esthetic Spa inside IMAGE Studios Wauwatosa — creating a future where beauty professionals don't...
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Ep 7.23 Truth Over Optics: Marriage, Money, and Meaning
Behind the polished brand lives the mess—marriage stress, deal drama, and founders numbing instead of feeling. Meg and Jaime White strip away the armor to discuss "divorce version one," choosing each other again, and reordering their lives as: self → partnership → business. Trade optics for...
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Ep 7.22 Think Big, Plan Bigger: What Meg's Learning in Year One of Franchise Ownership
Life doesn't wait for your business plan— and business doesn't stop for life. In this episode, you'll hear Meg describe her upcoming surgeries, dealing with aging parents, and the biggest shock of putting her beloved young dog into hospice care. Personal issues have collided with Meg's...
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Ep 7.20 Candor Over Hype: The Free-Agent Mindset for Building Saleable, Resilient Brands
In this episode, Meg Schmitz and PR legend Rhonda Sanderson cut through the hype and dig into the hard-earned lessons of business ownership and franchising. From Subway's scrappy beginnings to AI's looming future, they unpack how candor, care, and year-one grind transform shaky startups into...
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Ep 7.19 Build or Buy? The Brutal Truth About Control, Cash Flow, and Courage
Is it smarter to buy a business with "instant" cash flow or build one from scratch? In this episode, Meg Schmitz and Josh Skolnick expose the brutal truth about control, risk, and what really drives long-term freedom. If you're wrestling with self-doubt and searching for the most reliable path to...
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Ep 7.18 De-Risk the Leap: The 4-Pillar Blueprint that Turns 'New' into Profitable & Saleable
Tired of making millions for someone else while your soul shrinks in a cubicle? Rob & Nick of REPM break down how top execs can flip their skills into franchise ownership — with real systems, real support, and real ROI. If you're ready to stop renting your talent and start owning equity, this is...
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Ep 7.17 Inside the Franchise Playbook: Leadership Lessons for Executives Seeking Freedom
Leaving corporate for business ownership is thrilling—and terrifying. Verdine Baker, a franchise executive who's guided hundreds of owners, shares what really happens when fear meets opportunity—and how resilience and culture create lasting success. With Meg Schmitz leading the conversation…
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Ep. 7.16 Anthony Geisler and Bob McQuillan on Building Sequel—Franchising's Next Major Force
Anthony Geisler, the force behind scaling Club Pilates from 12 to 1,300 units and taking Xponential Fitness public with a multibillion-dollar valuation, is back with a new play: Sequel Brands. Alongside industry veteran Bob McQuillan, he's building a wellness platform featuring Pilates Addiction,...
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Ep 7.15 The Reality Check of Franching vs. Expectations
"Follow the playbook. Be your own boss. Live the dream." But what happens when the dream looks different from what you experience? In this candid conversation, Catherine Wilson shares the lessons, surprises, and wins from her franchise journey — and offers insights on navigating the gap between...
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Ep 7.13 Built Not Born: How One Unemployable Veteran Became the CFO of His Own Life
Andy Weins is back- and he's not just talking business, he's talking freedom. From franchise rookie to author and fractional CFO, Andy's journey is proof that you don't have to be "born" for entrepreneurship to master it—you build it, brick by brick, mindset by mindset. If you've ever wondered if...
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Ep 7.14 What Happens After You Go Viral?
Everyone wants to go viral—but what happens next? In this episode, Meg and Thasia Williams unpack the reality behind viral moments, visibility, and the marketing moves that drive revenue. If you're a business owner, franchisee, or sales pro chasing attention, this convo will shift your focus from...
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Ep 7.12 The Truth About Marketing: Why Playing It Safe Is Killing Your Business
There's more to marketing than digital ads and social media. Meg and Karen Wenning unpack why marketing only works when it's integrated, intentional, and relentless—and how skipping steps like direct mail or brand strategy can stall your entire launch. If you want your franchise to thrive, not…
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Ep. 7.11 Startup, Family Biz, or Franchise? The Wild Pivot That Rewrote Dan's Future
Dan Schauer had a family business in his back pocket and startup dreams in his head—but when layoffs hit, he chose a franchise. In this episode, we dig into the real-life pivot that gave him freedom, legacy, and an exit strategy all in one. If you're stuck between building, inheriting, or buying...
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Ep 7.10 Your LinkedIn Profile Is Costing You Deals — Here's How to Fix It
Think LinkedIn is just for job seekers? Think again. In this episode, Meg and Angela Dunz unpack why your profile may be silently sabotaging your credibility—and how small shifts can lead to big money moves.
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Ep 7.9 Divorce-Proof Your Dreams: How Smart Couples Franchise Without Falling Apart
You can build an empire and protect your marriage—if you know how to spot the landmines before they blow. In this follow-up to our most talked-about episodes featuring Ted Santos (Episode 7.4)and Karen Covy (Episode 5.2), we explore the silent tension that can kill business dreams and…
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Ep 7.8 How to Vet a New Franchise (Without Getting Burned)
What makes an emerging brand worth betting on? In this episode, I sit down with franchise veteran Candice Weeter to discuss grit, growth, and how to identify genuine leadership behind the pitch. If you're serious about building wealth through franchising, this one's a must.
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Ep 7.7 Mission Over Madness
When chaos calls, most chase the money. John and Kami Griffith chose the mission. In this episode, Meg Schmitz sits down with the power couple who walked away from corporate burnout, turned a LinkedIn ad into a life-changing franchise investment, and built a business rooted in faith, family, and...
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Ep 7.6 Profits, Projections & Pipe Dreams: What No One Tells You About Buying or Selling a Business
Most business owners think their company is worth more than it is. Most buyers waste time chasing the perfect deal. In this episode, Meg and business advisor, Mark Bailey, expose the hard truths about buying and selling businesses—and how tax strategy and mindset shifts separate the winners from...
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Ep. 7.5 The Franchise Nobody Thinks About (But Should)
What do you get when you mix pest control, holiday lights, and big franchise energy? A boring business that's quietly building empires. In this episode, Meg sits down with Andy Fuller, founder of Pest Hunters, to unpack how one "unsexy" brand is helping franchisees create recurring revenue,...
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Ep 7.4 Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How Self-Inquiry Unlocks Hidden Wealth
In this mind-bending episode of Free Agent, Meg Schmitz sits down with leadership strategist Ted Santos to explore the hidden beliefs sabotaging our potential—and our portfolios. From unresolved childhood loops to unconscious limitations, Ted reveals how self-inquiry and intentional disruption…
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Ep 7.3 No Permission Needed: How One Woman Turned Disruption into a Movement
When the world hit pause, Joyce Toti built two empires—one in luxury wellness, the other in women's leadership. In this episode, she shares how she turned uncertainty into bold action and why branding, mentorship, and movement go hand-in-hand. If you're waiting to feel ready, Joyce's story will...
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Ep 7.2 Bold Bets & Boutique Brands: Why Market Uncertainty Creates The Best Investments In Franchising
What do high-performing investors do when the market turns shaky? They double down on what works. In this episode, Meg Schmitz talks with JetSet Pilates head of development, Sara Buie and franchisees Andrea & Carlos Ponce about why luxury fitness is attracting serious capital—and how franchising...
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Ep 7.1 AI, Labor Shortages, and the New Rules of Business
In this eye-opening episode of The Free Agent, Meg Schmitz talks with entrepreneur Ryan Martineau about how AI and job site technology are reshaping skilled labor, franchising, and business operations. With global job shortages, rising tariffs, and economic uncertainty shaking traditional...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Inspiring conversations with real people who took the leap into business ownership, franchising, and freedom. Hosted by franchise guru, consultant and trusted small business advisor, Meg Schmitz.
If you're looking to make the next phase of your life the best phase, this podcast is for you.
From corporate refugees and executives tired of the desk job life, to entrepreneurs and investors looking for more support in their business journey, you'll hear from real people who stepped into the unknown, took control of their destiny and became their own boss.
HOSTED BY
Meg Schmitz
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Free Agent with Meg Schmitz have?
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz currently has 220 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Free Agent with Meg Schmitz about?
Inspiring conversations with real people who took the leap into business ownership, franchising, and freedom. Hosted by franchise guru, consultant and trusted small business advisor, Meg Schmitz. If you're looking to make the next phase of your life the best phase, this podcast is for you. From...
How often does Free Agent with Meg Schmitz release new episodes?
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz publishes regularly with 220 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Free Agent with Meg Schmitz?
You can listen to Free Agent with Meg Schmitz on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Free Agent with Meg Schmitz?
Free Agent with Meg Schmitz is created and hosted by Meg Schmitz.
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