Welcome to the final chapter of The Pulse of the Midwest mini-series on The Eric Mueller Show.

Episode 100 is a full-circle moment for me. To close out the series, I’m sitting down with my lifelong inspiration, role model, and the man who helped shape my values and definition of success. My Dad, Jeff Mueller.

This conversation isn’t about titles or accolades. It’s about character, consistency, and showing up the right way over a lifetime. We talk about the lessons learned through hard work, integrity, resilience, and family, and how those values guided his decisions through both wins and challenges.

As the final installment of The Pulse of the Midwest, this episode represents the foundation behind the series. The steady work ethic, grounded perspective, and quiet strength that define the Midwest and the people who come from it.

This is a conversation about legacy, long-term thinking, and investing in what truly matters. Episode 100 is more than a milestone. It’s a reminder of where it all starts.

“Enjoy the ride because you never know when the ride ends.” - Jeff Mueller

Highlights of the episode:

• Why experiences and shared memories create the greatest long-term equity
• The danger of living too far in the future and the importance of staying present today
• Practical ways to reduce anxiety by compartmentalizing what you can and can’t control
• A simple but powerful life analogy using baking a cake that you won’t want to miss
• Why happiness is a choice and how perspective plays a role in fulfillment

To celebrate Episode 100, The Eric Mueller Show merch is now live at WorldofEMU.com.

Follow @ericmuellershow for podcast content and @worldofemu for everything EMU.

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It’s been a minute — but The Eric Mueller Show is officially back.

In this short update, Eric shares what’s been happening behind the scenes these past few months — from traveling to Ireland to watch the Vikings in the NFL Dublin game, to DJing events as EMU, celebrating two friends’ weddings (including one as a groomsman), partying in Vegas with The Power Trip Morning Show of KFAN, building a brand-new beat laboratory, and gearing up for the next chapter.

He also teases a major milestone: Episode 100, featuring a very special guest — his Dad.

Plus, Eric gives a quick look at what’s new across the World of EMU — including fresh merch at WorldofEMU.com and exclusive podcast gear dropping soon for the holidays.

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Follow along on social:

• @EricMuellerShow — podcast updates and behind-the-scenes
• @WorldofEMU — DJ events, merch drops, and everything happening across the EMU universe

Welcome back to The Pulse of the Midwest—a mini-series on The Eric Mueller Show spotlighting elite creators and changemakers rising straight out of the heartland.

In Episode 2, we sit down with powerhouse fitness and nutrition expert Vusa Bentley, whose mission blends physical endurance with purpose-driven action.

From Navy SEAL-inspired workouts to raising money across all 50 states, Vusa is redefining what it means to push limits from the inside out. Her “United We Plank” tour isn’t just about holding a world-record plank. It’s about creating space for growth, community, and personal transformation.

Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Vusa combines deep emotional resilience work with a mind-body-soul approach through her FitNut program. Whether she’s speaking to organizations, training clients, or raising two incredible boys, Vusa leads with strength, presence, and purpose.

This is a conversation about finding your “why,” honoring your body, and living with fierce intentionality. Tap in, because the Midwest is showing up strong, and this story will move you.

“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” - Vusa Bentley

Highlights of the episode:

● Training mental and emotional endurance—not just physical

● The deeper mission behind Vusa’s United We Plank tour

● Her journey to “Nomad’s Land” during a plank session

● The role of loss, legacy, and love in building resilience

Additional resources:

• United We Plank
• @fitnutsimplifiedbyv
• @fitnutsimplified
• FitNutSimplified.com
• FitNutbyV@gmail.com

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Welcome to the first-ever installment of Pulse of the Midwest—a brand-new mini-series on The Eric Mueller Show spotlighting elite creators emerging from the heartland.

We’re kicking it off with a powerhouse: Pelly—a genre-bending rapper whose story proves that even the quietest towns can create the loudest impact.

From small-town silence to viral explosion, Pelly's journey is one of perseverance, passion, and staying true to your why. His track “Goku,” inspired by his love for anime, simmered in the background for years—until TikTok launched it into the stratosphere with over 550,000 shares. Add in 15M+ streams, NBA/NFL placements, and collabs with Twista and T.I., and you’ve got a story you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Pelly found his voice through anime, rap legends, and Midwest roots

• What it really takes to break through when there’s no scene around you

• The moment “Goku” exploded—and how it reshaped his future

• Why the next level isn’t always upward—it’s inward

• Discovering your why and freeing yourself from creative limits

• The evolving music and creator culture in the Midwest

• Do you really need to move to a “music Mecca” to make it as an artist

We get real about ego, purpose, and the pressure to relocate for success. Pelly drops gems on staying grounded while building global momentum—and how Redemption, Game Time, and Winner’s Win aren’t just tracks, but a mindset.

Catch the Pulse—because the Midwest is rising.

Additional resources:

• Connect with Pelly
• Pelly on Spotify
• Pelly on YouTube

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Serena Baleja is part strategist, part connector, and all about the human touch in a world of automation.

With 8+ years of experience leading influencer campaigns for luxury travel and billion-dollar consumer tech brands, she knows what works—and what’s just noise. Now, as the founder of Socialite CRM, she’s on a mission to bring powerful, ROI-focused influencer tools to the small biz world...without the bloated price tag.

Highlights of the episode:

• How to find creators who actually convert
• What a social media self-audit looks like (and why it matters)
• Why automation should never replace authentic relationships

Additional resources:

• Socialite
• Socialite ROI Calculator
• Connect with Serena

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In this special re-release, I want to honor the memory of Bob Kierlin by sharing the very first interview on The Eric Mueller Show—it was also his first time on a podcast. Bob’s wisdom, humility, and generosity left a lasting impact on me, and I hope his words continue to inspire you as well. Thank you, Bob, for your kindness and leadership. I’ll always cherish this conversation. Rest in peace.

“Success is the ability to bring out the potential in other people.” – Bob Kierlin

Bob’s obituary:

• https://www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Bob-Kierlin?obId=36549016

Share a memory in Bob’s tribute book:

• https://www.tributebook.com/domains/ec59793a-fedf-47db-a110-4c78c2f9e634/obituaries/36549016/book#

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Are you ready to break down the barriers to entrepreneurship? In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Scott, Head of Underserved Entrepreneurship at Startup Junkie, to explore how anyone—regardless of background—can turn their business dreams into reality.

Claudia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, from helping entrepreneurs secure Kiva microloans to providing no-cost consulting services for startups. She shares her journey of empowering underserved communities, navigating cultural differences, and staying grounded in her passions.

Claudia’s story will inspire you to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and believe anyone can start a business.

Highlights of the episode:

• What is a Kiva microloan, and how can it help aspiring entrepreneurs?

• Overcoming language barriers and bridging cultural gaps in business.

• Understanding your passions and working within your limitations.

Additional resources:

• Startup Junkie

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Are you ready to cut through the noise and create a brand that truly stands out? This week, I’m joined by Pia Silva, a powerhouse entrepreneur, speaker, and author dedicated to helping small branding agencies scale their businesses while working less.

As the founder of No BS Agency Mastery, Pia has coached countless entrepreneurs to build profitable, efficient businesses. She’s the author of the bestselling book Badass Your Brand, a TED speaker, and the driving force behind Worstofall Design, a branding agency known for crafting “Badass Brands without the BS.”

Pia’s journey is packed with insights on turning expertise into profit and building authentic confidence in business. Whether you’re a branding professional or an entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, this episode is for you.

Highlights of the episode:

• The 50-25-25 Rule to Profit & Freedom

• How to niche down based on data, not guesswork

• Why scarcity mindset limits generosity and growth

• Strategies to grow your brand without the BS

Additional resources:

• No BS Agencies

• Badass Your Brand: The Impatient Entrepreneur’s Guide to Turning Expertise into Profit by Pia Silva

• Pia’s FREE Audiobook Offer

• Worstofall Design

• No BS Agency Mastery – Book a Call with Pia

• Watch Pia’s TED Talk

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