Johnny Hilbrant didn’t plan to become The PE Guy.
A SoulCycle instructor by day, he turned one awkward wedding conversation about money and status into a viral character followed by nearly 200 thousand people.

In this episode, Lydia and Johnny talk about turning cringe moments into creativity, using humor to heal after the loss of his twin sister, and saying yes to what feels right—without quitting the life that pays your bills.

You’ll hear:
• The real story behind “Absolutely Printing!”
• How a viral character can stay grounded in real life
• Why story always beats status
• Finding joy again through comedy and community

🎧 Follow Escape 9-to-5 for more human stories about careers, creativity, and reinvention.