The Unscripted Climb

Neil Galas- Real Estate Investor

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2418354/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Unscripted Climb, Neil Galas breaks down one of the most common (and expensive) mistakes young adults make: committing to college without first exploring real-world work and career options.  Neil argues that jumping straight into college often delays clarity instead of creating it. Instead, he encourages young people to spend time working — especially in challenging, physical labor jobs — to better understand their strengths, limits, work ethic, and long-term goals.  This conversation is a reality check for students, parents, and anyone questioning whether the traditional “college first” path actually makes sense for everyone.  What you’ll learn in this episode:  • Why most young adults don’t actually know what they want yet — and why that’s okay  • How real-world experience can provide faster career clarity than classrooms  • The hidden value of physical labor jobs in building discipline and perspective  • Why slowing down before college can prevent regret and wasted money  • How hard work can quickly teach you what you don’t want long-term  If you’re a student feeling pressure to decide your future, a parent trying to guide without pushing, or someone who took the long way around and learned the hard way — this episode will hit home.  Sound bite worth hearing twice:  “Go find the hardest physical labor job you can.”  Subscribe for more honest conversations about careers, entrepreneurship, and figuring life out without pretending anyone has it all solved.  💥 Want a free merch or brand audit? Just ask. No pressure, just people helping people.  👉 Perch-Merch.com [https://perch-merch.com/] 👉 OhHelloAgency.co [https://oh-hello.co/] 🔗 Connect with Us: * Chris Beecham on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbeecham/] * Natalie Micale on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemicale/] Check out our podcast website here [https://theunscriptedclimb.com/]

Mike Smith: From Skateparks to Global Impact

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2418354/fan_mail/new] Mike Smith joins The Unscripted Climb to share how he went from sleeping under bridges and building skateparks in malls… to becoming a nationally recognized youth speaker, nonprofit founder, and full-time dad. In this episode, Mike talks about his three “lives” — launching youth centers, becoming a top-tier speaker, and chasing his wildest dream of being an international adventure guide. He also breaks down his “compensation model” from Stanford, what AI is doing to creativity, and why Gen Z is struggling to build real memories. Whether you're raising capital, raising kids, or raising your standards — this conversation will hit you in the soul. — Follow the show and leave a review if you’re climbing your own mountain. 📍 Topics:  entrepreneurship, youth development, nonprofit leadership, impact investing, public speaking, AI and creativity, parenting, social innovation, lifestyle design, life after burnout, community building, adventure 💥 Want a free merch or brand audit? Just ask. No pressure, just people helping people.  👉 Perch-Merch.com [https://perch-merch.com/] 👉 OhHelloAgency.co [https://oh-hello.co/] 🔗 Connect with Us: * Chris Beecham on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbeecham/] * Natalie Micale on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemicale/] Check out our podcast website here [https://theunscriptedclimb.com/]

Shermin Lakha on Branding, Business Law & Bold Pivots

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2418354/fan_mail/new] Shermin Lakha isn’t your average attorney—and she doesn’t run average businesses. In this episode of The Unscripted Climb, she shares how she grew Level Up Legal and Tiger Tiger Creative Agency without a single paid ad. Instead, she relied on creativity, community, and content. From building an all-female law firm focused on IP and startup law, to helping brands and creators close deals through shoppable content, Shamim’s journey is packed with tactical takeaways for entrepreneurs ready to pivot, lead, and grow. If you’re tired of playing small—this one’s for you. 💥 Want a free merch or brand audit? Just ask. No pressure, just people helping people.  👉 Perch-Merch.com [https://perch-merch.com/] 👉 OhHelloAgency.co [https://oh-hello.co/] 🔗 Connect with Us: * Chris Beecham on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbeecham/] * Natalie Micale on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemicale/] Check out our podcast website here [https://theunscriptedclimb.com/]

Bonnie Blackman on Reinventing Yourself After Failure

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2418354/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Bonnie Blackman opens up about what happens after the world knocks you down—and how you build something even better. After losing her teaching job, Bonnie transitioned from educator to entrepreneur, creating a publishing business grounded in empathy, passion, and purpose. She talks candidly about what it means to fail, how to find your voice again, and why joy isn’t optional—it’s your job to create it. Takeaways: Failure is part of the path—use it. Relationships matter more than résumés. Passion-led businesses don’t burn you out. Own your happy. It’s not someone else’s job. If you're looking for a reason to keep going, this is it. 💥 Want a free merch or brand audit? Just ask. No pressure, just people helping people.  👉 Perch-Merch.com [https://perch-merch.com/] 👉 OhHelloAgency.co [https://oh-hello.co/] 🔗 Connect with Us: * Chris Beecham on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbeecham/] * Natalie Micale on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemicale/] Check out our podcast website here [https://theunscriptedclimb.com/]

Daine Patton: From Pest Control to Building a Wildlife Business

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2418354/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Unscripted Climb, Christopher Beecham and Natalie Micale sit down with Daine Patton, the founder of Bats to Rats, to talk about his wild ride from pest control rookie to wildlife management CEO—and the 100-pound transformation that changed his life. Daine opens up about becoming a dad at 19, navigating marriage and business, and how COVID ironically became one of his biggest growth opportunities. From hiring challenges to personal health battles, this episode is full of straight-up entrepreneurial truth and transformation. Whether you're scaling a service business, managing chaos at home, or trying to shed the weight (literal or metaphorical), this one hits hard. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: * How Daine went from pest control to owning a wildlife removal business * Why COVID-19 helped his business explode * The leadership challenges of hiring (and firing) friends * How he lost over 100 lbs and kept it off * The connection between discipline in fitness and business growth * Why starting small in personal development works * What it takes to lead a team when everything is on the line 📌 Chapters (YouTube): 00:00 – Navigating Personal and Professional Life 08:28 – The Journey of Entrepreneurship 17:22 – Building a Team and Overcoming Challenges 26:45 – Health, Wellness, and Family Priorities 27:53 – The Turning Point: A Father's Reflection 32:20 – Commitment to Change: The Journey Begins 35:46 – Transforming Body and Mind: The Power of Weight Training 42:09 – Beyond Fitness: Personal Development and Business Growth 49:26 – Sharing the Journey: Leadership and Community Impact 💥 Want a free merch or brand audit? Just ask. No pressure, just people helping people.  👉 Perch-Merch.com [https://perch-merch.com/] 👉 OhHelloAgency.co [https://oh-hello.co/] 🔗 Connect with Us: * Chris Beecham on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbeecham/] * Natalie Micale on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemicale/] Check out our podcast website here [https://theunscriptedclimb.com/]