The Breakout: Redefining success on your own terms

Keri and Kelly blend humor, insight, and practical advice in their #1 Society and Culture podcast, The Breakout, a show that is helping listeners smash through life’s boxes and pave their own path towards success. We spoke to these two best friends about the origins of the podcast, their new book and why they do what they do!

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

Keri: I’m Dr. Keri Ohlrich, PhD in Human Development and Organizational Systems. I specialize in change management, HR processes, and coaching, with experience leading HR transformations for start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. I also hold certifications in Prosci® and iPEC CPC.

Kelly: I’m Kelly Guenther, and I hold a Master of Education, am an iPEC® Certified Professional Coach (CPC), as well as a certified Prosci® change management practitioner, and I specialize in holistic talent and people development, leadership training, and change management.

We founded Abbracci Group, where we work with individuals and companies to forge their own unique paths, offering expertise in coaching, strategic talent management, and people development. But we wanted to go beyond the HR space, and help ordinary people break free from all of life’s heavy expectations, by having real, raw (and funny) conversations with guests who’ve defied all of that – whether they’ve changed careers, overcome personal struggles, or challenged societal norms.

What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?

Keri: Honestly, I can’t remember the exact first podcast I ever listened to, but it was probably Bullseye with Jesse Thorn. I’ve love how Jesse has this gift for interviewing creative people in such a thoughtful way. The stories are always rich and inspiring – it’s the kind of podcast that makes you think and keeps you hooked at the same time.

Kelly: For me, it was This American Life on NPR. It’s such a classic! The storytelling is top-notch, and they dive into such a wide variety of human experiences. It was one of the first podcasts that made me realize how powerful the medium could be for sharing stories that connect people.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Keri: The idea for the podcast came to us during the pandemic, when we realized it was time to evolve from the HR-focused webinars we’d been offering. With our shared love of podcasts we knew we wanted to create something that went beyond the HR space. Over the years, we’ve heard thousands of stories from people who’ve inspired us in profound ways, and we realized there was a bigger conversation to be had about breaking free from expectations and living authentically.

Our podcast was born out of that desire to dig deeper and share meaningful content that reflects the real-life struggles and victories everyday people experience when they decide to take control of their lives.

Kelly: It’s been an amazing way for us to connect with people outside the traditional HR world and highlight the stories of those who’ve pushed boundaries and broken out of the boxes in which they find themselves. We’re passionate about these conversations because they’re not just inspiring – they’re real, relatable, and often life-changing.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Keri: I draw so much inspiration from Bullseye with Jesse Thorn. Jesse is a phenomenal interviewer who has this incredible ability to dig deep and get personal with his guests. The conversations are rich, authentic, and I love learning from all the creative minds he brings on the show. It’s not just about their success stories but the real, behind-the-scenes journeys that inspire me.

I’m also a huge fan of Pivot with Scott Galloway and Kara Swisher. Their dynamic is unmatched – sharp, insightful, and they push you to think differently about business, tech, and culture. Plus, they’re not afraid to challenge each other, and I find their banter as engaging as their analysis.

Oh, and I can’t forget Hidden Brain. It taps into the science and psychology geek in me! The show takes complex human behaviors and breaks them down in ways that are fascinating and eye-opening. I’m always left with a new perspective.

Kelly: For me, it’s SmartLess all the way. Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett are hilarious and self-deprecating about how little they claim to know about podcasting. But their authenticity and vulnerability with each other, combined with their humour and incredible guest lineup, make it pure escapism. It’s a great reminder that we don’t have to take ourselves too seriously to have real, meaningful conversations.

I also really appreciate The Daily from the New York Times. In 20 minutes, it gives me a quick, yet insightful dose of news. It’s focused, gets straight to the point, and gives you just enough information without overwhelming you – perfect for staying informed when life gets hectic!

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

Keri: Oh, we love this question! Our podcast is all about people who have broken the rules and shattered expectations, so, naturally, we’re drawn to guests who embody that spirit. I would absolutely love to have RuPaul on the show. As a die-hard RuPaul’s Drag Race fan, I admire how RuPaul has consistently given a bold, unapologetic middle finger to societal norms and the establishment. His ability to not just survive but thrive in a world that tried to box him in is nothing short of inspiring.

Kelly: I’m a massive Serena Williams fan. Having played tennis, I’m in awe of Serena’s sheer power, grit, and determination. Serena didn’t just break out of the box – she smashed it to pieces. From her dominance on the court to her advocacy for women, mothers, and athletes, she’s the ultimate example of breaking through barriers, both personal and societal. Having Serena on would allow us to have an incredible conversation about resilience, success, and what it means to chart your own course.

RuPaul and Serena Williams – two trailblazers who’ve redefined what’s possible. Dream guests for sure!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

Keri: The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a podcaster? It’s the incredible power of storytelling and just how resilient people really are. Hearing the journeys our guests have been through, their struggles and triumphs – it’s a reminder of how much strength and courage humans have.

But I’ll also be the first to say, podcasting is hard work! It’s a true commitment, and most of the time, it’s not about money. It’s about making an impact, knowing that your words are landing in someone’s ears, halfway around the world. That’s still mind-blowing to us – how many people are tuning in from all corners of the globe, all wanting to break out of their own boxes.

Kelly: One of the most important things I’ve learned is the art of truly listening. Podcasting demands an intense focus – you have to be fully present with your guest, completely in the moment. When someone’s sharing a raw, vulnerable story, it’s an incredible honour to hold that space for them. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and that deep connection is what makes this medium so powerful. You’re right there with them, and so is the audience. That’s the magic of podcasting!

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Keri: Ah, it’s like choosing a favourite child – but let’s be real, we all secretly have one!

When we look back at the episodes that really stick with us, Robert Markowitz and Celeste Headlee’s conversations immediately come to mind. Robert’s journey from lawyer to clown (yes, you heard that right!) is such a powerful example of breaking free from the expectations to follow a “respectable” career path. Instead, he chose something unconventional, something that spoke to him – and it’s such a refreshing and inspiring story about what it means to redefine success on your own terms.

Then there’s Celeste Headlee. Her episode challenges how we think about time, work, and the constant pressure to be productive. We still laugh when we talk about her saying, “We are not knives,” in response to the hustle culture’s obsession with “the grind.” Celeste really opened our eyes to how deeply ingrained societal and capitalist expectations are, and how liberating it is to question them.

Both episodes perfectly capture the spirit of The Breakout: part humor, part personal journey, part life lessons, and a whole lot of “you can do this!” They’re a great starting point for anyone wanting to understand what we’re all about.

You have a new book coming out, Whatever the Hell You Want, is that linked to the podcast? Please tell us more about it.

Kelly: Absolutely! Our upcoming book, Whatever the Hell You Want: An Escape Plan to Break Out of Life’s Little Boxes and Live Free from Expectations, is deeply inspired by The Breakout podcast. The stories, wisdom, and lessons from our incredible guests, combined with our more than twenty years of experience in coaching and organizational change, compelled us to write this book.

At its core, this book is about freedom: the freedom to redefine what success and fulfillment mean to you. We all deserve to experience true happiness, peace, and authenticity, and this can only happen when we take control of our lives, unapologetically.

Keri: As best friends and business partners, we bring a sense of humour, compassion, and actionable steps to the process. We’re also thrilled to introduce our BREAK Change Model™, which we’ve refined from both our personal experiences and work with clients. It’s a practical, empowering framework to help readers.

Like the podcast, our book offers a roadmap to freedom and fulfillment. We’re so excited to share it with the world!

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

At the Abbracci Group website or the podcast website. We’re also on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube and you can pre-order our book Whatever the Hell You Want: An Escape Plan to Break Out of Life’s Little Boxes and Live Free from Expectations here.

Listen to The Breakout on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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