How far would you go to reclaim your life?In this transformative, heart-on-sleeve interview, Jerry Dugan peels back the curtain on his bold escape from corporate leadership into the uncertain but exhilarating world of creative entrepreneurship. With raw honesty, Jerry shares the moment he realized success was a golden cage, how his family catalyzed his leap, and why reinventing yourself demands both courage and vulnerability. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
- The emotional toll of “golden handcuffs”—and the price of freedom
- How a single conversation at home can change your entire life trajectory
- Three mentors’ uncanny advice that pointed Jerry to his true calling
- The struggle to build a business from scratch (and why the right “why” matters)
- Powerful lessons on identity, letting go, and crafting a life on your terms
Timestamps:
- 0:00 Full Circle Moments: Jerry Returns—The Backstory Behind the Leap
- 2:00 “Put Yourself In a Prison”—The Real Cost of Corporate Success
- 7:45 Three Conversations That Changed Everything—Listening Between the Lines
- 10:00 Building ‘Beyond the Rut’: From Podcasting to Publishing
- 12:00 Burnout, Blessings, and Saying No to the Wrong “Yes”
- 15:30 The Uber Chapter: Reinventing, Recharging, and Rethinking What’s Next
- 20:00 Lessons from Dune & Beyond—Leadership, Identity, and Curiosity Unleashed
Guest Links:
- Website: https://beyondtherut.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrydugan/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrydugan/
- Book: “Beyond the Rut” – https://amzn.to/yourbooklink
Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
