Brainstorm Chasers

What Are You Trading Your Life For?
We spend so much of our lives thinking about money—how to earn more, save more, invest more, and eventually have enough to retire.
But there’s one thing more valuable than money that we often overlook:
Time.
Because money can be earned again. Things can be replaced. But the hours, days, and years we spend are gone forever.
In this episode, we take a step back and ask a deeper question:
What are you actually trading your time for?
We talk about the hidden cost of constantly being busy, saying yes to things that don’t matter, scrolling through hours of our lives, putting our health and relationships on hold, and telling ourselves, “I’ll have more time later.”
Especially as we age, we begin to see time differently. Our priorities change. Our kids grow up. Our parents get older. Our bodies change. And we start to realize that the future isn’t an unlimited supply of tomorrows.
This isn’t an episode about being productive every minute or trying to squeeze more out of your day.
It’s about living with intention.
It’s about recognizing what deserves your time—and having the courage to spend less of it on what doesn’t.
Because ultimately, we don’t spend time.
We spend our lives.
 

What do you really want in this life?
Not what’s comfortable. Not what’s easy.What do you actually want your life to look like 6 months from now?
And the real question is…👉 Are you willing to create the change required to get there?
Because the truth is simple:To change your life… you have to change.
In this episode, we break down The 6 Month Reset—a practical, structured approach built around 16 powerful strategies that can help you transform your habits, mindset, and daily routine.
But this isn’t about doing everything at once.It’s about learning how to simplify, focus, and stay consistent without overwhelming yourself.
We talk about:
How to reframe change so it feels manageable
Why small daily wins matter more than big bursts of effort
The power of structure, routine, and time management
How accountability accelerates everything
Why knowledge alone isn’t enough—you have to apply it
And how taking that first step—no matter how uncomfortable—can completely shift your life
Because starting is scary.Changing your habits is uncomfortable.Building something new takes effort.
But on the other side of that discomfort?👉 Confidence👉 Discipline👉 Momentum
This episode ties together everything we’ve been building—accountability, gratitude, structure, routine, and intentional living—into one clear, actionable path forward.
You don’t need to change everything overnight.You just need to start.
Start small.Stay consistent.Celebrate the wins.And commit to the process.
Your next 6 months starts now.

Money touches every part of our lives—yet most of us were never taught how to truly manage it.
 
In this episode, we break down the real path to financial freedom—both for today and for your future retirement. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or looking to level up your wealth, this conversation will give you the clarity and structure you need to take control.
 
We dive into why no two budgets look the same—and why that’s okay. Your lifestyle, goals, responsibilities, and values all shape how your money should work for you. But while every plan is personal, there are core principles everyone should follow to build lasting financial strength.
 
We discuss key strategies, balance, and how to play the long game while building financial peace. Also, why compound interest is considered the eighth wonder of the world.
 
We also tackle the darker side of money—the stress, the temptation, the lifestyle creep, and the silent ways it can control your decisions if you’re not intentional.
 
Because money is a tool. Used wisely, it creates freedom, options, and peace of mind. Used poorly, it creates pressure, dependency, and regret.
 
This episode is your blueprint to take back control, build momentum, and design a life where your money works for you—not the other way around.

Change doesn’t happen overnight.
 
In Episode 20 of Brainstorm Chasers, we take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought us here—looking back at 2025, what starting this podcast taught us, and how those lessons are shaping the way we’re stepping into 2026. Then we get real about why so many goals don’t stick, even when the desire is there.
 
We break down what actually creates lasting change: patience, small wins, honest self-awareness, and systems that support you when motivation fades. We share a simple 9-step playbook designed to help you stop starting over and start building momentum—one realistic step at a time.
 
This isn’t about perfection or drastic transformation. It’s about progress, grace, and staying in the work long enough for it to matter. We’re all learning as we go, and this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to figure it out alone.

In our newest episode, the Brainstorm Chasers sit down with the director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Susan McCartney.  Located at Buffalo State University, Susan enthusiastically discusses the role of the SBDC, and the tremendous support it offers local entrepreneurship in the Queen City.  From first-time founders with big ideas to existing business owners looking to grow, the SBDC empowers entrepreneurs at every stage.
We dive into the free resources they offer, the common obstacles new entrepreneurs face, and how mentorship, community support, and strategic planning can turn your idea into a reality. Whether you're considering a startup, looking to expand, or not even sure where to begin, the SBDC provides the guidance and support you need to take the next step with confidence. This conversation shines a light on a truly remarkable program and the 40 plus years of experience it offers.
Resources:
Dr. Susan A. McCartney, Ph.D - Director, SBDC
Small Business Development Center - Cleveland Hall 206, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14222
Email - mccartsa@buffalostate.edu
Phone - 716-878-4030
 
Connect With The Brainstorm Chasers:
Email - brainstormchasers2@gmail.com
Instagram - @brainstormchasers
Facebook - Brainstorm Chasers
Your continued support means everything. If this episode got you tinking, please share it with someone who'd connect with it too. We love reviews! Every share and rating helps this community grow stronger. Keep Chasing!!
 

You only live once...but if you do it right, once is enough! -Mae West
Join the Brainstorm Chasers as they ask the very important question-"What do you really want in this life"? They sit down with the owner of Third Space Cafe and Entertainment, Chelsea Mae-and discuss her journey of leaving the corporate world and pursuing her dream of owning her own business. Chelsea talks about the events leading up to her taking the initial first steps, not having an initial plan, and the tremendous support she received along the way.
Resources
Third Space Cafe and Entertainment-777 Main St, Buffalo, NY, 14203
Email - thirdspacebuffalo@gmail.com
Instagram - @third_space_buffalo
Facebook - Third Space Cafe and Entertainment 
 
Buffalo Spree Magazine Article: https://www.buffalospree.com/wny_life/city_buzz/chelsea-mae-is-in-her-third-space/article_0e1be5d3-924a-4d2f-81e7-482bd7740ce4.html
 
Connect with the Brainstorm Chasers:
Email - brainstormchasers2@gmail.com
Instagram - @brainstormchasers
Facebook - Brainstorm Chasers
Your continued support means everything. If this episode got you thinking, please share it with someone who'd connect with it too. Maybe consider leaving us a review! Every share and rating helps this community grow. Keep Chasing!!
 

What are the rules of society, and why do we feel compelled to follow them? In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at the invisible expectations that guide our behavior and define what's considered "normal." We explore where these rules originated, how they've evolved over time, and the powerful role they play in shaping our sense of belonging. 
 
Your support means everything. If this episode got you thinking, please share it with someone who'd connect with it too, and take a moment to leave a review! Every share and rating helps this community grow.
 
Connect with us:
Instagram - @brainstormchasers
Facebook - Brainstorm Chasers
Youtube - @brainstormchasers77
Email - brainstormchasers2@gmail.com
 

In this episode, we explore the power of reflection and how looking back can help us move forward. From celebrating our wins to learning from mistakes, reflection allows us to see life with more clarity and purpose. We'll talk about why taking time to pause matters, how reflection strengthens self awareness, and practical ways you can build it into your daily life. Reflection isn't about dwelling on the past-it's about using it as a guide to grow, heal, and shape a better future. 
 
Email-brainstormchasers2@gmail.com

Emotions are a natural part of being human, but when left unchecked, they can control our decisions, relationships, and even our health. In this episode, we explore the art of emotional regulation-what it really means, why it matters, and how it impacts every area of life. From childhood influences to the role of hormones and daily habits, we break down the science and the practice of managing emotions in a healthy way. Whether you struggle with anger, stress, or simply want to respond more thoughtfully instead of react impulsively, this conversation will give you the tools to take back control and find balance.

This episode is formatted a little different,  we had to record separately. (Jeremy speaks first and then Michael at 24:57) So it’s missing our signature charm but the content is still important.  We feel procrastination is such a vast yet understated obstacle that many struggle with, including ourselves.  But with the knowledge and techniques shared in this episode the individual will be able to conquer this often present adversary.