🎙️ Welcome to Direct Or Detour

A Podcast About the Unexpected Paths to Success

Life rarely follows a straight line. Direct Or Detour uncovers the fascinating journeys behind successful people’s careers and lives.

✅ Did they follow a carefully planned path?
✅ Or did life’s unexpected twists lead them somewhere even better?

Each episode features candid conversations with accomplished guests who share:

  • The victories, the setbacks, and the pivotal moments that shaped their success.
  • Career pivots, serendipitous opportunities, and lessons learned from taking the unexpected route.

Perfect for:
🎯 Career-changers seeking inspiration.
💡 Entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty.
🛣️ Anyone questioning if they’re on the “right” path.
🔍 Those fascinated by others’ life journeys.

📢 Ready to explore the many routes to success? Hit play below and join us on the journey.


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  • Matt Diamante: From Playing in a Band to Building a Thriving Marketing Agency

    Success isn’t always a straight path—it’s often full of unexpected turns. Matt Diamante, founder of HeyTony, didn’t start his career dreaming of SEO, marketing, or running an agency. In fact, his early passion was playing in a band. That passion led him to study advertising in college, which eventually turned into a journey of corporate…

  • Jasmeet Singh: From Molecular Biology to Mastering Professional Headshots

    What happens when a molecular biologist trades in the lab coat for a camera lens? Meet Jasmeet Singh, a former scientist turned professional photographer and the founder of 415Headshots Inc. Based in San Francisco and Sacramento, Jasmeet has built a premier headshot photography studio that helps professionals capture their best selves. His journey from science…

  • Madi Waggoner: From Burnout to Building Remote—Her Journey to Entrepreneurial Freedom

    What if you could step away from your business without it falling apart? For many entrepreneurs, the idea of taking a vacation—or even just a day off—feels impossible. But for Madi Waggoner, the founder of Building Remote, creating a business that runs without you isn’t just a dream—it’s a necessity. Madi has helped over 40…

  • Tracy Brinkmann: From Rock Bottom to Entrepreneurial Success – The Dark Horse Mindset

    Tracy Brinkmann has been on a journey that is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Having faced profound personal challenges—including addiction, divorce, bankruptcy, and the tragic loss of his 18-month-old daughter—Tracy transformed his life from these depths of adversity. He ascended from these hardships to lead planning and marketing departments for some…

  • Michael Cole: Building Next-Level Careers in Telecom & Tech Staffing

    Breaking into the telecom industry requires more than just technical skills—it demands the right training, connections, and opportunities. Few people understand this better than Michael Cole, President of Next Level Technician. His company specializes in bridging the gap between skilled technicians and businesses, helping both thrive in a competitive industry. But Michael’s path to leadership…


📢 🎤 Want to Share Your Journey on Direct Or Detour?

Have you taken an unexpected path to success? Direct Or Detour is always looking for inspiring guests who have navigated career pivots, embraced risks, or found success in unconventional ways.

Entrepreneurs, career-changers, and industry disruptors are all welcome.
If your journey involved unexpected twists that led to success, we’d love to hear your story.

📌 Apply now to be a guest!


📢 💼 Reach a Highly Engaged Audience – Sponsor Direct Or Detour

Looking for an audience that values independent thinking, success stories, and real conversations? Sponsoring Direct Or Detour puts your brand in front of motivated career-changers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners who thrive on unconventional journeys.

  • 🔹 Highly Engaged Listeners – Our audience is actively seeking valuable insights and solutions.
  • 🔹 Niche Targeting – Perfect for brands in business, personal development, and professional growth.
  • 🔹 Authentic Promotion – Sponsorships are delivered naturally within conversations, ensuring real engagement.

📌 Interested in partnering with us? Let’s talk!