Mike Brcic takes entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs, and high achievers into the wilderness of Iceland, asks them to leave their phones behind, sit in silence, and stop performing. The tears are not the goal. They are often what happens when people carrying business pressure, founder loneliness, burnout, grief, and years of unspoken emotion finally feel safe enough to tell the truth.
As the founder of Wayfinders and a 30 year entrepreneur, Mike creates immersive wilderness retreats and leadership experiences focused on human connection, self awareness, personal alignment, emotional wellbeing, and nervous system regulation. He explains why hustle culture can grow from a hidden belief that you are not good enough, why business success cannot repair a wounded sense of self worth, and how entrepreneurs can pursue growth without repeating the patterns that exhausted them.
Mike opens up about losing his father at 16, outrunning grief and anger for nearly two decades, selling his previous company in February 2019, and rebuilding his work and life from a more aligned place. Bridget and Mike explore silence, nature, breathwork, journaling, music, scent, Palo Santo, chamomile tea, peppermint grounding, founder mental health, entrepreneur burnout, emotional release, and the need for genuine human connection.
Episode Highlight
The role of silence in gaining clarity
Using wilderness experiences for personal growth
Sensory engagement and its impact on well-being
The importance of self-awareness and self-connection
Practical methods for integrating nature into daily life
BOOK MENTIONED
Reboot by Jerry Colonna
ABOUT MIKE BRCIC
Mike Brcic is the founder of Wayfinders, an experience based community that brings entrepreneurs and business leaders to some of the most remote places in the world. Through wilderness immersion, silence, reflection, breathwork, journaling, embodiment practices, music, deep dialogue, and community, Mike creates space for high achieving entrepreneurs to step away from constant performance and reconnect with who they are beneath their professional identities.
Mike is a 30 year entrepreneur and former professional musician. After selling his previous company in February 2019, he focused on building a life that felt more deeply aligned with his work, family, friendships, and personal values. Wayfinders has brought entrepreneurs together in destinations including Iceland, Greenland, Patagonia, Fiji, Morocco, Laos, and other remote environments around the world.
Connect with Mike Brcic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wayfindersadventures
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayfinders_inc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikebrcic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebrcic/
ABOUT BRIDGET ANN STUART
Bridget Ann Stuart is a REALTOR®, Executive Strategic Performance Coach, and host of The Inner Estate. Since beginning her real estate career in 1998, Bridget has worked across luxury real estate, business growth, leadership, performance, and personal development.
Through Strategic Performance Coaching, Bridget helps entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, executives, and business owners create greater clarity, strengthen their performance, and build businesses and lives that reflect what matters most to them.
Connect with Bridget:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealBridgetStuart/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbridgetstuart/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealBridgetStuart\
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
What place in nature helps you feel clear, grounded, peaceful, or fully yourself?
Share your answer in the comments, and please leave a review of the podcast so we can continue bringing on guests who truly connect with your Inner Estate.
DISCLAIMER: The Inner Estate is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The views shared belong to the host and guest and should not be considered medical, mental health, legal, or financial advice.
Breathwork, wilderness activities, psychedelics, and other practices discussed may not be appropriate for everyone. Consult a qualified professional regarding your individual health, safety, and circumstances.