Drafting of a plan or convention for the construction of an object or of a system; process of creation; act of creativity and innovation
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Recorded live from the Sundance Film Festival, GG Hawkins hosts a roundtable conversation with four short film directors premiering work at the festival: Kelly McCormack (How Brief), Anna Baumgarten (Balloon Animals), Ana Alpízar (Norheimsund), and Anooya Swamy (Pankaja). The filmmakers discuss the origins of their films, navigating production across Cuba, India, Canada, and the U.S., working within (and outside of) film school structures, and the deeply personal themes of grief, mother-daughter relationships, disappearance, and survival that unexpectedly connect their work. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests discuss… Shooting narrative shorts on location in Havana, Bangalore, Vancouver, and Los Angeles Returning to Cuba to film Norheimsund after seeking asylum in the United States How Pankaja draws from growing up in the slums of Bangalore and confronting personal memory Making a $6,500 microbudget short inside a real grocery store overnight Building a short film over eight years and resisting the “proof of concept” mindset Working within NYU's film school structure versus creating outside institutional systems Casting mother-daughter dynamics rooted in real-life relationships Designing color theory, texture, cement, and dirt as emotional language Shooting inside real police stations and navigating bureaucracy while telling stories about it Grief as a “big soup of emotions” and balancing melancholy with comedy Collaborating with ride-or-die creative partners Advice for emerging filmmakers about not compromising and trusting instinct Memorable Quotes: “Dreaming doesn't cost a thing.” “Choosing oblivion.” “We often live really simple lives in complicated worlds.” “You are allowed not to compromise.” Guests: Kelly McCormack – Director, How Brief Anna Baumgarten – Writer/Director, Balloon Animals Ana Alpízar – Director, Norheimsund Anooya Swamy – Writer/Director, Pankaja Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram
#783 What happens when a side hobby turns into a life-changing business built around passion, risk, and a whole lot of bees? In this episode, host Britlyn Williams sits down with Nicole Buergers, founder of Bee2Bee Honey Collective, to unpack how a simple beekeeping hobby turned into a full-time, purpose-driven business. Nicole shares her leap from B2B internet marketing into urban beekeeping, the realities of monetizing a passion, and the challenges — both physical and mental — of building a business from scratch. From crowdfunding her launch and finding her first customers to learning boundaries, community building, and what it really means to work with nature, this conversation is an honest look at entrepreneurship, sustainability, and designing a life around what you love! What we discuss with Nicole: + Turning a hobby into a business + From B2B marketing to beekeeping + Urban beekeeping fundamentals + Mentorship as a revenue stream + Crowdfunding the business launch + Building a local beekeeper community + Physical realities of beekeeping + Learning to say no + Selling hyperlocal honey + Designing a lifestyle business Thank you, Nicole! Check out Bee2Bee Honey Collective at Bee2BeeHoney.com. To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Imposter syndrome. Anxiety. Marketing pressure. SEO. GEO. AI. What if the thing you've been fighting… is actually your advantage? In this episode, John Lano joins Marc Scott to unpack the mindset and marketing shifts voice actors must make right now. From embracing anxiety as fuel, to rethinking how your voice over website speaks to buyers, this conversation dives deep into SEO, generative engine optimization (GEO), LinkedIn strategy, and the real purpose of your website. If your website is just “name, photo, demos,” this episode will change how you think about everything. We talk about: • Turning anxiety into productivity • Imposter syndrome in the voice over industry • Why most VO websites are built wrong • SEO vs GEO — what matters now • Case studies, niche pages, and FAQ strategy • LinkedIn Premium — is it worth it? • Designing your site for buyers, not other voice actors If you're serious about building a voice over business that attracts better clients, this episode is required listening. CONNECT WITH JOHN LANO
Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)
Is AI really eliminating jobs, or is it redefining skills? In this episode of Technovation, Peter High speaks with Ehren Powell, Chief Digital Officer of Marathon Petroleum Corporation, about leading digital transformation at one of America's largest and most complex industrial enterprises. Powell shares how he is building a skills-first organization—decomposing roles, augmenting capabilities with AI, and reassembling work around differentiated processes. Key topics include: Why AI should be treated as a value multiplier—not a strategy How data contextualization unlocks massive sensor environments The creation of data domain ownership across the enterprise Applying edge technology and AI to improve safety and reliability Why curiosity and reinvention define the future workforce
What does it truly mean to see—and how close are we to restoring sight for those who have lost it? Dr. Lauren Ayton shares her journey at the frontier of vision restoration, from leading Australia’s first bionic eye trial to navigating the ethical, scientific, and personal dimensions of bringing sight back. Topics covered: The meaning of “seeing” and how the brain constructs vision Personal motivations behind vision restoration research The evolution of bionic eyes and retinal implants From basic science to technological intervention in vision Ethical dilemmas in emerging vision restoration technologies Patient experiences regaining sight and decision-making in trials Challenges of public perception vs. scientific reality Incremental innovation vs. paradigm shifts in medical science Importance of access, equity, and foundational care Designing technology for real human needs and capabilities Connect with Dr. Lauren AytonLinkedInCentre for Eye Research Australia Episode Chapters:00:00 – Introduction: What does it mean to see?01:45 – Dr. Lauren Ayton's personal journey and driving questions03:35 – Career: Academia, startup life, and innovation in vision science05:27 – The complexity and subjectivity of vision07:08 – What happens when vision is restored? Patient experiences08:52 – Scientific breakthroughs that made sight restoration imaginable10:37 – The science behind bionic eyes, retinal implants, and gene therapy12:30 – Suprachoroidal approach in Australia's first in-human bionic eye trial13:59 – Ethics of risk, hope, and consent in experimental medicine15:56 – Supporting patients through uncertainty and high-stakes decisions17:26 – Managing expectations: Public perception vs. current scientific reality20:08 – Incremental change, paradigm shifts, and multidisciplinary collaboration22:00 – Translation: From brilliant ideas to real-world impact24:06 – Access, equity, and the bigger picture of vision care25:48 – Human-driven innovation: Designing for dignity, capability, and real needs27:30 – Lessons from vision science about clarity, perception, and what we miss28:52 – The future: What's possible in 10–20 years of vision restoration30:19 – Ethical reminders for the path ahead31:44 – Dr. Lauren Ayton's takeaways: Centering humans and aiming high32:57 – How to support or get involved in vision research33:45 – What's keeping Dr. Lauren Ayton hopeful34:46 – Closing and credits
What does it really take to build teams that can adapt, move fast, and still stay human? In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane Groeneveld chats with Sam Spurlin, an organization designer, future of work strategist, and transformation advisor who has spent the past decade helping executive teams rethink how work happens. Together, Dane and Sam dig into ideas like mission-based teams, team charters, and how AI can play a role in teaming. If you're rethinking hierarchy or curious about self-managed teams, this episode offers thoughtful insights and plenty of practical takeaways.
Everyone talks about “scaling with AI.” Few design the systems, standards, and safeguards that make scale safe—especially when the work is emotional, high-stakes, and human. In this episode, Coyne breaks down how to architect agentic AI that's simple, secure, and actually ships—plus what leaders need to know heading into 2026–2027. What you'll learnAgentic AI that works: Where LLMs belong (and don't), retry logic, rate limits, and human-in-the-loop checkpointsSecurity > shiny: Data hygiene, role-based access, and why “context engineering” beats prompt soupCompliance reality check: Fair housing, audits, and why brokerages need proof, not promisesTooling truth: Gemini Ultra vs. ChatGPT/Claude—when to mix, when to standardizeProcess before bots: Rethinking workflows, SOPs from screen recordings, and the 80/20 that moves revenueLeadership over micromanagement: Change how people think (mission/why) before changing what they doHost Justin Konikow runs Prime's multi-market operations and experiments at the edge of humans+AI in real estate. Coyne operates at the intersection of architecture, security, and enablement, translating hype into reliable, compliant outcomes. If this helped, subscribe, like, and drop a question—Justin will pull the best into a follow-up Q&A. Share this with a founder, broker-owner, or ops lead who needs a reality-based AI roadmap.
In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship — the stress, the identity crisis, venture capital pressure, and what no one tells you about scaling a company.Our guest shares:• Why she walked away from her startup• The heartbreak of watching it shut down• The hidden stress of venture-backed businesses• Why she'll never raise VC again• How delegation saved her sanity• Designing life instead of being consumed by work• Spiritual habits that ground her daily (gratitude journaling, tarot, reflection)We also discuss founder identity, investor pressure, scaling retail, AI in business, legacy vs exits, and what success really means.If you're a founder, entrepreneur, executive, or someone navigating burnout this conversation will hit home.
Sometimes speed matters more than polish. In this episode, the team shares how a HEY Calendar feature went from idea to shipped in about a day — and what made that possible. It's a look at when moving quickly helps, when it doesn't, and how writing clean code gives you room to change your mind later without breaking everything.Key Takeaways00:11 – Shipping a new feature in roughly a day03:14 – Catching the moment while it's hot08:02 – Shortening the path from idea to implementation12:04 – Making change easier with clean, thoughtful code19:42 – Designing things that hold up and are easy to fix22:51 – Building for the futureLinks and Resources"Building HEY Calendar's Year View" from Michelle Harjani's HEY WorldMaintenance of Everything (Part One) by Stewart BrandFizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.doRecord a video question for the podcastSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X
In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Louise Hecker, Associate Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they dive into Louise's recent research exploring how psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, may influence aging biology at the cellular and organismal level.Louise shares the story behind her curiosity about psilocybin, sparked by conversations with a friend and fueled by a lack of scientific answers. She explains how her team overcame regulatory hurdles to study the effects of psilocybin on human cells and aging mice. Their findings showed that psilocybin extended cellular lifespan and reduced hallmarks of aging, such as oxidative stress and DNA damage. In mice, regular dosing improved survival, reversed visible signs of aging, and affected organs beyond the brain.The conversation also covers the challenges of translating these findings into humans, the need for more research on dosing and safety, and the importance of funding in moving this field forward. Louise encourages listeners to stay curious, think beyond established paths, and keep an open mind as new questions and discoveries emerge in the science of aging.Guest-at-a-Glance
Joining us in this episode of Living Off Rentals is an award-winning publicist, hospitality veteran, and short-term rental expert who has built a profitable portfolio by thinking differently about how and where to invest. Katie Cline is the host of the Second Home First podcast and Suite Success: Masters of Hospitality. She has worked behind the scenes with global luxury hotel brands including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and W Hotels, and now applies those hospitality principles to her own short-term rental properties across upstate New York. Listen as Katie shares how buying her second home first allowed her to build wealth, create meaningful family experiences, and run profitable short-term rentals without sacrificing lifestyle. She also breaks down how hospitality, thoughtful design, and smart market selection can make all the difference. Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Katie Cline and her background [02:55] Moving from global hotel brands to owning short-term rentals [05:23] Buying a second home first instead of a primary residence [07:12] The beauty of buying your second home first [10:01] How short-term rentals compare to traditional investing and 401Ks [10:59] Financing strategies for second homes and creative renovations [13:06] Evaluating deals and understanding worst-case scenarios [18:16] Lessons learned from furnishing and renovating remotely [26:14] Managing fear and doubt when pulling the trigger on deals [27:24] Shifting from investor mindset to hospitality mindset [30:54] Hotel principles that improve short-term rental performance [35:27] Designing arrival experiences that shape guest perception [38:18] Why quality beats rapid scaling in short-term rentals [41:28] The philosophy behind Buy Your Second Home First [47:44] Aligning real estate decisions with lifestyle goals [48:40] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/ Show Links: Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/ Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals
You already know how to write learning objectives. You reference Bloom's taxonomy. You understand Moore's outcomes framework. But here's the real question:When you write a learning objective, can you clearly identify the two to three specific clinical tasks that must happen for that objective to be achieved?In this episode—based on a webinar I participated in with the Good CME Practice Group—we go deeper than frameworks. We unpack what actually sits underneath a learning objective and how that layer determines whether your CME changes practice… or simply delivers information.What We Explore in This EpisodeWhy learning objectives are signposts—not the design itselfHow to break each objective into 2–3 concrete clinical tasksThe role of workflow, format, and audience context in determining granularityHow learning science (cognitive load, retrieval practice, feedback) strengthens action-focused designWhere CME programs most commonly lose alignment between need, content, assessment, and outcomesKey TakeawayIf you can't name the specific clinical actions required to meet an objective, the content won't drive behavior change.Design lives underneath the objective.Next StepIf this episode resonated, try this:Take one learning objective from a current project and ask:What are the two or three specific clinical actions underneath it?Where do those actions appear in the content?Where are they assessed?That exercise alone will elevate your design work.And if you want structured practice applying this level of thinking—with feedback, live coaching, and a community of CME professionals—explore WriteCME Pro.This is where writers become design partners.ResourcesGood CME Practice GroupMentioned in this episode:AI Practice LabBuild a Practical, Safe, Repeatable AI-assisted Workflow in Just 4 Weeks. March 9 - April 2 Move beyond experimenting with AI. In this 4-week practice lab, work hands-on with Núria Negrão to build a documented, repeatable AI workflow for research, drafting, and quality control—one you can confidently explain to clients and teams. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
How to be a man in 2026?In a world of dating apps, looksmaxxing, loneliness and confusion around modern masculinity — what does it actually mean to be a man today?In this deep conversation, Rahul Badesra and Gaurav Arora break down the modern masculinity crisis — from confidence and discipline to male loneliness, female validation, grooming culture and the pressure men silently carry.
On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews sits down with Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, to discuss the groundbreaking Opportunity Center (OC) in Forney, Texas. Dr. Terry shares the vision behind this 350,000-square-foot, future-ready facility that integrates career, college, and community into one dynamic space. From entrepreneurial opportunities for students and community members to creating a vibrant third space that serves all ages, this conversation highlights how innovative design and collaboration can transform education and community engagement. Tune in to learn how Forney ISD is redefining learning and maximizing impact for its rapidly growing district. Outline (00:00) Introduction: The Opportunity Center (02:43) Designing the OC: Vision and Process (10:10) Creating a Third Space: Community Integration (15:01) Entrepreneurship and Future-Ready Skills (24:03) Innovation Within the Box (28:07) Advice for Educational Leaders Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here LinkedIn Forney Independent School District
This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes back writer, editor, and design thinker Lila Allen for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation on design, storytelling, and what it means to live well. Since her last appearance, Lila has launched Wrong House—a bold new digital publication that embraces design with “guts,” mixing historic perspective, experimental formats, and everyday reality.From curating ghost stories and celebrating found furniture to exploring the soulful connections we form with our spaces, Lila shares how constraints and authenticity can unlock creativity. She also opens up about her move to the Hudson Valley, the influence of her museum roots, and why "wrong" can often be so right in design.This episode is a rich exploration of emotional design, creative risk-taking, and the power of spaces to linger in our memory.More About Lila AllenLila Allen is the founder and editor in chief of Wrong House, a monthly design publication launched in September 2025. She has previously held senior editorial roles at Architectural Digest, where she led AD PRO, the site's membership-based trade vertical, and Metropolis, where she was managing editor and shaped coverage across print and digital platforms. Today, outside of Wrong House, she runs an independent practice supporting architects, designers, and cultural organizations with brand storytelling, messaging strategy, and editorial direction, while continuing to write for leading design press. Lila holds a master's degree in Design Research, Writing & Criticism from the School of Visual Arts, where she received the Paula Rhodes Memorial Award and the Monotype Scholarship for Excellence in Design Criticism. Her bylines include The New York Times, Interior Design, Architectural Digest, and The Architect's Newspaper. She is currently at work on a design monograph for Monacelli, forthcoming in Fall 2026.Contact:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lila-allen-5513ba12/lila-allen.com Where To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd
In this episode of Talk Design, host Adrian Ramsey sits down with Bill Styczynski, Principal of Studio 21 Architects in Chicago. Recorded just days after Bill's open-heart surgery, this conversation is a testament to his unstoppable energy and passion for life.Bill shares his 44-year journey in architecture, from being inspired by the shadows on Chicago skyscrapers as a child to leading a successful design-build firm today. They discuss the critical relationship between architect and builder, the nuances of designing for different climates (from Chicago winters to Costa Rican tropics), and why transparency is the key to managing client budgets in a volatile market.Beyond architecture, Bill opens up about his other great passion: vintage car racing. He draws fascinating parallels between the unpredictability of the racetrack and the complexities of a construction site. Whether discussing the technical details of a "monopoly frame" or the emotional weight of designing a "forever home," Bill's insights offer a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and the art of living well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of 'Move with Meg', host Olivia Graydon interviews Megan Kerrigan, a three-time world champion dancer and the creator of Broga, a revolutionary new Irish dance shoe. Megan shares the inspiration behind Broga, which stemmed from her observations of injuries among dancers, particularly stress fractures. She discusses her journey from identifying a problem in the dance community to developing a solution that combines comfort and performance. The conversation delves into the challenges of entering the footwear industry, including sourcing materials, working with manufacturers, and the importance of feedback from dancers to refine the product. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Megan Kerrigan00:56 - The Birth of Broga06:43 - Researching Dance Injuries09:39 - Designing the Broga Shoe18:00 - Feedback and Iteration Process26:12 - The All Islands Event and Community Engagement31:40 - Future Plans for Broga ✅ Calm the Nerves Meditation (FREE in the MWM App)
Rest doesn't mean doing nothing, but simply pausing the constant pushing forward. In this conversation with Carolyn of Homesteading Family, we talk about what happened when her family intentionally committed to a “year of rest” on their busy homestead. With older kids, a growing business, animals to tend, and even a wedding thrown into the mix, this wasn't a year of sitting still. It was a year of redefining peace, rethinking commitments, and learning that true rest often starts in your mindset long before it shows up on your calendar. If you've been feeling burned out in homesteading, homemaking, business, or motherhood, this episode will meet you right where you are and give you practical encouragement to find peace in your current season. In this episode, we cover: - The long-term vision behind planning six years of building followed by a seventh year with no major homestead projects - What “rest” actually looked like with 11 kids, animals, gardens, and a full family business still running - The surprising ways time opened up when they stopped adding infrastructure, remodels, and new systems - How an unexpected engagement, homestead wedding, and cabin build reshaped their carefully planned year - Living by rhythm instead of a clock-driven schedule and why everyday chores don't have to feel burdensome - The myth that life automatically gets easier as kids grow — and how each new season brings its own challenges and freedoms - The difference between removing work and actually experiencing peace - A practical shift that brought immediate calm and clarity to her days and why overwhelm often follows us even into vacation seasons - The hidden cost of overcommitment and how to recognize when it's stealing your joy in the everyday moments - Telling yourself the truth about your personality and energy instead of striving to meet someone else's standard - Designing home rhythms that serve your season instead of copying what works for someone else View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Get access to the Peaceful Homestead Rhythm Challenge and the full Homestead Kitchen Membership here! Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Carolyn of Homesteading Family | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
In this episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, Jason sits down with Emily Power, founder of Ocean Made, to talk about seaweed, sustainability, and building regenerative consumer products. Emily shares how leaving a corporate career led her to an unexpected obsession with kelp a material that cleans polluted water, captures carbon faster than trees, and helps rebuild ocean ecosystems. She explains how that fascination turned into Ocean Made and the creation of Kelp Pots, plant containers designed to replace billions of single-use plastic pots thrown away every year. The conversation explores the challenges of building climate-positive products, why good intentions aren't enough to change consumer behavior, and how entrepreneurs can design products that are both better for the planet and better for customers. Emily also talks about the realities of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and what it takes to bring sustainable innovation to market. This episode is especially valuable for founders, makers, and anyone interested in climate tech, consumer products, and the blue economy. Topics Discussed • Emily's journey from corporate work to entrepreneurship • Discovering seaweed as a regenerative material • How kelp supports ocean health and carbon capture • Founding Ocean Made and launching Kelp Pots • Replacing single-use plastic in consumer products • Designing products that shift consumer behavior • Building climate-positive businesses • The realities of sustainable manufacturing • Collaboration in ocean conservation • Balancing purpose with product performance • Lessons learned as a reluctant entrepreneur Connect with Emily Power LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilybpower/ Website: https://oceanmade.co/ Connect with Jason Cavness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncavness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasoncavnessexperience/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jasoncavness Podcast: https://www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com
Costume designer Kate Hawley earned her first Oscar nomination for her work on the Guillermo del Toro film "Frankenstein." She discusses her decision to use bright jewel tones, the design choices behind Elizabeth's epic wedding dress, and striking the right balance between historical accuracy and theatricality. This interview is part of our ongoing Oscars series "The Big Picture." Photo: Mia Goth as Elizabeth in Frankenstein. Image by Ken Woroner/Netflix © 2025.
In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Garcia, the visionary behind Stone Revolution, to talk craftsmanship, creativity, and the evolution of luxury surfaces in the desert design scene. Garcia shares how Stone Revolution became a premier destination in Palm Desert for custom stone fabrication, exotic slabs, and high-end installations. From sourcing rare materials to collaborating with top designers, he reveals what it takes to transform raw stone into architectural statements. Website: stonerevolution.com Instagram: stonerevolutioninc BACK STORY Located in Palm Desert, California, Stone Revolution Inc. is a leading supplier and broker of the finest imported and domestic natural stone materials. We offer homeowners, architects, and designers exclusive and personalized stone products and services to realize your design visions and dreams. Our brokers and importers supply a complete range of the highest quality stone materials at the most competitive prices. These include luxuriously crafted marble, granite, limestone, travertine, quartzite, and many other options for virtually limitless design possibilities. We offer a complete array of stone, tile, pavers, flooring, veneering, and cement design products with a dazzling palette of colors, textures, and finishes. Our unique and unmatched selection is ideal for high-end architecture including custom residential homes, large commercial and industrial developments, hotels, and resorts. As part of our offering, we are pleased to be an exclusive distributor for Cement Design, the world's leading international manufacturer of decorative coatings. With a wide selection of exclusive and versatile products for every type of space and surface, Cement Design combines extraordinary technical capabilities with functionality and aesthetics to create the world's most innovative and original coatings. SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much! ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE! JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.
About Eric LangEric Lang is one of the most influential designers in modern tabletop gaming, known for bold thematic systems and highly interactive play. Over his career, he has designed or co-designed titles including Blood Rage, Rising Sun, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, Chaos in the Old World, and numerous licensed and collectible card games. His work spans hobby and mass-market audiences alike, blending deep strategic frameworks with strong narrative identity. In this episode, Eric shares how he approaches conflict-driven design, why player psychology matters more than mechanics alone, and what it takes to build games that feel both competitive and emotionally resonant. If you're interested in designing for tension, identity, and memorable table moments, this conversation offers a masterclass from one of the industry's most distinctive voices. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, we're talking about the quiet stage many couples find themselves in — not fighting, not falling apart… just operating on autopilot. Logistics over romance. Responsibilities over connection. “We're fine” instead of “We're thriving.”If you want to:Bring back the spark in your marriageFeel emotionally connected to your spouse againReignite passion and noveltyStop co-existing and start engagingIntentionally design a healthy, fulfilling marriageThis conversation is for you.You'll learn:Why good marriages slowly lose momentumThe subtle signs you're drifting (even if things seem stable)How to reset your connection before irritation replaces intimacyThe power of shared vision and intentional romanceWhy you don't need a crisis to justify a relationship resetMarriage doesn't become exciting by accident.It becomes exciting when you decide to design it that way.If you're ready to move from “fine” to fully alive in your relationship, this episode will show you where to begin.And for couples who want a deeper, immersive reset experience, The Marriage UpGrade retreat was created specifically for this stage — where love is present, but intention needs to be restored.You don't have to wait for distance to force change.You can choose excitement now.
*Learn more about The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3rd-May 6th, 2026 and reserve your spot!---This week I chatted with Matt Ellis, who is the Executive Director of Brand at Metalab in the UK. We talk about how he spotted a gap at MetaLab to bring in more brand services that actually enhance product development, and what makes a brand stand the test of time. He also shares his take on AI—experimenting with new tools while keeping your craft sharp, using AI to explore ideas and make them richer rather than just speeding things up.Guest Name: Matt EllisGuest Linkedin: Connect with MattMetalab: metalab.com / @metalabLinks:The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designersDownload my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**Some are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design
What would your life look like if you actually designed it on purpose—down to how you spend your mornings, who you work with, and where you pour your creative energy? In this episode, I sit down with certified Airbnb stylist and designer Erica Egner, whose journey from a burnt-out graphic designer to a thriving short-term rental entrepreneur is a masterclass in intentional living.We talk about:How Erica and her husband worked backward from a vision of freedom to escape the 9-to-5 commute and daycare cycleThe story of a scruffy 1970s A-frame in Washington that transformed Erica from a DIY novice into a soulful hospitality expertWhy Erica is choosing to keep her boutique co-hosting portfolio small to protect her boundaries and her "people-pleaser" tendenciesHow graphic design principles translate into physical spaces to guide a guest's eye, and their experience, through a homeThe power of plugging into mentors and communities to build systems and avoid the chaos of figuring it out alone.But this isn't just about beautiful interiors. It's about alignment. Erica pulls back the curtain on the grit and creativity required to turn a tired space into a high-performing rental that guests describe as "healing." You'll hear how she navigated the transition from remote design work to full-time hospitality, and why she views her business not as a machine, but as an engine for the life she actually wants to lead.If you've ever felt like your business is dictating your life instead of the other way around, this conversation will give you the permission—and the plan—to start designing your exit. Get ready to align your daily actions with your biggest vision.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[01:01] A short introduction about our guest Erica Egner, how she got started into the world of short term rental, and how it has changed her life[03:35] Erica explains how shared values around time, freedom, and family guided major life and career decisions with her partner[07:05] Erica describes how patience, research, and shared values guided conversations around starting in short-term rentals[12:09] How reframing the short-term rental as an easy family escape helped Erica's husband embrace the idea[13:28] Erica reflects on how applying design fundamentals in a real-world renovation revealed a natural shift toward interior design[17:23] How foundational design training shaped the way Erica approaches interior design in short term rentals[18:28] Erica describes how methodical pacing and hands-on involvement defined her co-hosting growth and journey [22:56] Erica explains how proximity, standards, and fit now guide her co-hosting client decisions[24:28] Erica shares how learning to set boundaries became essential to protecting her time and energy, and [27:20] How designing Erica's own short-term rental revealed a clear and natural entry point into the interior design world[31:40] How learning from others helped...
Send a textLeadership isn't built by hustle, it's sustained by rhythm. In this episode, I'm unpacking how to create leadership rhythms that support your clarity, confidence, and capacity, especially when life feels full and unpredictable.From parenting and running payroll to traveling for work and navigating chaos at home, this is a candid look at how rhythm (not rigidity) keeps your leadership grounded and your energy protected. We'll explore daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms—and how to return to yourself when you feel scattered or reactive.What You'll Learn:What managing up actually means (and what it doesn't)How clear, proactive communication builds trust and prevents micromanagementPractical tools and phrases to lead up without losing yourselfKey Takeaways:Managing up is not about staying small or agreeable, it's leadership in actionClarity protects your autonomy and builds credibilityCommunicating early and often makes you easier to trust (and lead)Call to Action:Identify one relationship where you need to manage up with more clarity. Send a brief update using this 4-step framework: “Here's what I'm seeing, here's what I'm doing, here's where I need alignment, and here's what I recommend.” Then reflect on how it changed the dynamic.Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.______________________________You can find me here:Instagram: @gingerbizWebsite: https://www.katymurrayphotography.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TipsandTricksforyourbusinessX: https://twitter.com/GingerBizKMLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-murray-ginger-biz/
Judson enjoys his first planned hookup of 2026 and realizes he may be becoming demisexual. Brian explores his newfound versatility and finds much personal satisfaction. The Hookup of the Week tells the story of an encounter that is both very hot and very wet, and leads to Judson teaching Brian a piece of sexual vocabulary. They are then joined by fashion designer and sometime Son to Judson's Daddy, Timothy Westbrook. After sharing behind-the-scenes secrets of his time on the 12th season of “Project Runway,” Timothy discusses his mission to design from a place without shame and how it inspires his very special collection, TL Brooke Bridal. He provides his unique perspective on rituals and ceremonies, and talks about how he works with clients of all gender expressions to create pieces that personify and celebrate their entire being. Timothy then reveals how he found his way to Dads and Daddies through a hookup story Judson shared on the pod three months ago, and dives deep into the fulfillment he finds in blindfolding himself during sex, his talent for being a good boy, how he protects himself when hooking up with strangers and his aspirations to a porn career. He also talks about his experience living life as a sexual person with a stoma and ostomy bag after his large intestine was removed due to ulcerative colitis. In closing, Timothy joins Brian and Judson in responding to a Go Ask Your Dad question from a listener who is confused and frustrated about an abusive hookup he suffered that returns to his thoughts when he's masturbating. Find Timothy Westbrook on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/timothywestbrook_ and https://www.instagram.com/tlbrookebridal/ Email your Hookup of the Week, Go Ask Your Dad and Dr. Daddy submissions to dadsanddaddies@gmail.com Dads and Daddies on the Web: https://www.dadsanddaddies.com/ Dads and Daddies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadsanddaddiespod Dads and Daddies on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dadsanddaddiespod Dads and Daddies on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dadsanddaddiespod.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episode Overview: In this powerful episode, John sits down with Jimmy Nelson to unpack a critical shift happening in real estate: AI is everywhere, but emotional intelligence is the true separator. From automation overload to shiny-object syndrome, agents are drowning in technology while skipping the internal work required to build something sustainable. Jimmy shares why inconsistency isn't a discipline problem — it's a regulation problem — and how agents must master self-awareness, identity, and emotional alignment before scaling with AI. This conversation dives deep into Human Plus thinking: emotional intelligence before automation, identity before scaling, and vision before decisions. If you want to future-proof your business in an AI-driven world, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Covered The Fork in the Road: AI Efficiency vs Human Connection The rise of AI and what it means for real estate professionals Why technology accelerates chaos if you haven't mastered discipline The "cold automation" model vs the Ritz-Carlton-level experience Why the future belongs to professionals who combine AI efficiency with human excellence The 75% Problem in Real Estate Two years in a row, 70%+ of agents didn't sell a home Why information is no longer the value — wisdom is The thinning of the herd and the leveling up of professionalism Why buyers and sellers now believe they know more than their agent Emotional Intelligence Before AI (Human Plus Framework) Timmy introduces the Human Plus model: Self-awareness before automation Emotional regulation before scale Identity before production Operators of AI — not AI operating you If you don't know who you want to be, AI will amplify confusion instead of clarity. The "Have, Do, Be" Trap Many agents operate backward: They chase the "have" (money, closings, recognition) Without becoming the person who consistently does the work The shift: Decide who you want to be Align your actions Then the results follow Why Most Agents Set the Wrong Goals When asked how much they want to make, most agents say "$100,000." But why that number? Why not $90K? Why not $200K? What is the purpose behind the number? The key is breaking big goals down into daily behavior: Conversations per day Appointments per week Agreements per month Math doesn't lie — but identity determines execution. Inconsistency Isn't a Discipline Problem Timmy's insight: "Inconsistency isn't a discipline problem. It's a regulation problem." Agents bounce between shiny objects because: They don't trust themselves They're emotionally misaligned They're chasing relief instead of results Technology reveals discipline. It doesn't create it. AI as a Mirror, Not a Crutch AI can be powerful — if used correctly. Practical exercise discussed: Ask AI to challenge your business model Have it ask you tough questions Use voice input for honest reflection Request direct, unfiltered feedback But remember: AI will gas you up if you don't bring discernment and critical thinking. The Work-Life Blend (Not Balance) Real estate creates guilt loops: When you're home, you feel like you should be working When you're working, you feel like you should be home The solution: Long-term vision Clarity of lifestyle goals Designing a sustainable model Finding What Lights You Up Within real estate, there are countless paths: Sales Marketing Social media Systems Development Coaching Community building The question becomes: What could you do for the rest of your life — even if you weren't paid for it? Then build the business around that. Resources & Mentions Elite Edge Network → EliteEdgeNetwork.com Human Plus Framework Chris Voss (Vision Drives Decision concept) Dan Sullivan – Unique Ability Working Genius Assessment StrengthsFinder Kolbe & DISC assessments AI Driven Leader (Geoff Woods) Jimmy also hosts weekly webinars every Thursday at 2 PM EST (details available through Elite Edge Network). Final Takeaway AI is not your competitive advantage. Emotional intelligence is. The agents who thrive in the next decade won't just automate — they'll: Master self-awareness Align identity with action Build clarity before scale Lead with vision, not reaction As John reinforced in the episode: Vision drives decision. Decision drives action. No vision, no deal. And as Jimmy summarized: Emotional Intelligence before AI. Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time!
In this episode of On Campus, we explore what high-quality online and blended learning looks like today with Director of Instruction Design, Dr. Rhiannon Pollard, from the University of Central Florida's Center for Distributed Learning. As colleges and universities continue to expand hybrid and digital offerings, Dr. Pollard shares practical insights on course design, student engagement, faculty support, and the evolving expectations of learners who are balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities. We discuss what makes an online or blended course truly effective in 2026, how institutions can move beyond emergency remote teaching toward intentional design, and the role instructional designers play in helping faculty create meaningful, flexible learning experiences. Whether you're a faculty member, administrator, or higher-ed professional thinking about the future of teaching and learning, this conversation offers actionable ideas and a look at where the digital classroom is headed next. Links: CITI Program's Navigating Online and Hybrid Teaching course https://about.citiprogram.org/course/navigating-online-and-hybrid-teaching/ UCF's Center for Distributed Learning https://cdl.ucf.edu/
When you're in Philly for PCMA Convening Leaders, you don't just grab a cheesesteak and call it a day. You pay attention to the food culture, the people behind it, and the stories that shape the city. And I couldn't leave town without sitting down with one of the catering chefs doing exactly that. This week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE, I'm talking with Chef Adam DeLosso, Executive Chef and COO of 12th Street Catering—and this conversation goes far beyond what's on the plate. Adam and the team at 12th Street believe great event food is about connection just as much as cuisine. Designing menus where every guest feels welcome without extra effort isn't a "nice to have" for him—it's the standard. That mindset shows up everywhere: how his team supports guests with complex dietary needs, how they approach staff training and labeling, and how they think about sustainability and responsibility. We talk about what it really means to build safe, sustainable, and inclusive food experiences into events so seamlessly that guests simply feel cared for. Adam shares the story of creating a carbon-neutral menu before the industry was ready—and why that moment still shapes how he approaches innovation today. We also dig into 12th Street's Meals With a Mission philosophy and partnerships with Trellis for Tomorrow and Philabundance, showing how catering can nourish communities, not just attendees. If you plan events, this matters. Food is where trust, risk, inclusion, and brand values all collide—and Adam offers a real-world look at how thoughtful leadership turns those moments into WOW experiences. Because when food is done with care and creativity, it doesn't just feed people. It brings them together. What does "every guest feels welcome" look like at your events?
In this episode of the Market Edge podcast, we connect the dots between policy, planning, engineering, and financing to reveal what it truly takes to build resilient communities in an era of growing risk. Our conversation explores how public and private sector leaders can collaborate to reduce vulnerability before disaster strikes. We dive into the role engineers play not just in rebuilding after crises—but in shaping smarter systems, influencing policy, and guiding investments that strengthen communities for the long term.
In this episode, we're joined by Maryam Ashoori, VP of Product and Engineering at IBM's Watsonx platform. With a background that includes 2 master's degrees in AI, a PhD in Systems Design Engineering, and named on over 30 patents at IBM, she's been on the bleeding edge for over a decade. Currently leading the charge on Agentic AI and AI Governance at IBM, Maryam is a bridge between the theoretical frontier of AI and the messy reality of enterprise deployment. In this episode, Maryam: Tells why AI has been stuck in pilot purgatory for longer than expected, and what you need to do today for a successful enterprise deployment Calls shenanigans on the “biggest, best model” crowd, and why often a smaller, more focused tool is the right choice Explains how to build an agnostic architecture that can handle the realities of an AI world where models advance faster than anybody can keep up Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mashoori/ IBM: https://www.ibm.com/us-en Resources Reinventing SaaS: Zuora's AI Transformation | Karthik Chakkarapani and Shakir Karim (Zuora): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHVxnLikMpQ Linear's Secret to Building Powerful AI Products | Nan Yu, Head of Product (Linear): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27rGB-6XQJg Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:18 From ChatGPT hype to enterprise reality: use cases, ROI, and the rise of agents 06:11 Security, accountability & governance: who's responsible when agents go wrong? 10:37 Risk-based rollout: use-case scoping, Risk Atlas, and guardrails like PII detection 17:10 Observability for agentic workflows 18:21 Why compute optimization matters 22:58 Designing for model agility: abstraction layers, routing, and picking the right model 27:23 Conclusion Follow LaunchPod on YouTube We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe! What does LogRocket do? LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.Special Guest: Maryam Ashoori.
Mike Farley of Farley Pool Designs hosts Tanr Ross of Pool Scapes (Las Vegas) to discuss pool and outdoor living design, with an emphasis on when 3D modeling is necessary and how it improves client understanding. Additional topics include challenges and benefits of LED strip lighting and uplights (installation complexity, costs, and preference for PAL lighting support), the value of reviewing recent, verifiable work and visiting active job sites when selecting a designer/builder, and functional design principles such as sightlines from open-glass interiors, communal layouts over paper “balance,” and frequent use of fire pits with ergonomic, cushioned sunken seating. Discover More: https://www.poolscapes.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/ 00:00 Welcome to the Luxury Outdoor Living Podcast (What to Expect) 01:12 Meet Tanr Ross + Do You Really Need 3D Renderings? 03:40 Tanr's Origin Story: AutoCAD, Pool Studio & Early 3D Experiments 07:29 Renderings That Feel Real: Scale, Furniture & Adding People 09:39 Pool Scapes Business & Career Path: Vegas → Texas → Back Home 12:48 Why Modern Design Wins (and When Curves Get Tricky) 16:43 Nevada's 600 Sq Ft Pool Rule: Workarounds, Zero-Edge Math & Remodels 24:27 Signature Project Breakdown: The “Cube” Water Feature & Build Challenges 27:08 Where Inspiration Comes From + How Tanr Actually Designs in 3D 29:48 Getting Better Without “School”: Reps, Pressure, Freelance & Speed 31:29 Why He Doesn't Travel Anymore (Motion Sickness, Anxiety & Work Mode) 32:11 Vegas Trade Shows, Networking & Staying ‘Nose Down' Busy 33:47 LED Strip Lighting in Pools: Nightclub Vibes, Install Headaches & Real Costs 37:58 How Homeowners Should Vet a Pool Designer (Recent Work, Site Visits & References) 39:33 Custom Design Philosophy vs. Copy-Paste Software (And AI Concerns) 42:41 Designing for Real Life: Communal Spaces, Sight Lines & Pool Orientation 45:48 Favorite Part of the Process + Managing Long, Stressful Builds 48:29 Must-Have Feature: Fire Pits, Sunken Seating & Cushion Ergonomics 54:52 One Tip to Avoid Regret: Due Diligence, Similar-Scale Projects & In-Progress Tours 57:23 Rapid-Fire Personal Questions + Monaco/F1 + Vegas Growth (Wrap-Up) 01:01:07 Show Mission & Final Sign-Off
Episode 132: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Andrew Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Rossby. Before Rossby, Andrew served as Executive Vice President at TAG Advisors and as a Securities Principal at Cambridge Investment Research. Andrew talks with Kyle about entrepreneurship, growth, and designing better businesses. With a background in musical theater and a career that spans mortgage brokerage and financial advising, Andrew shares the parallels between creative careers and financial services, why repeatable processes beat flashy marketing plans, and how thoughtful design can transform the advisor experience. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:39) - Andrew's money moment (04:55) - Parallels between mortgage brokerage and financial advising (07:07) - How Andrew built his early book of business (11:50) - The financial-planning version of a closing credit (13:07) - Redefining traditional conferences with The Unconference (16:41) - How The Unconference generates the best business ideas (19:43) - What it means to drive business forward (25:04) - The concept of "less but better" in business and technology (28:39) - Designing intuitive systems and reducing operational friction (32:22) - Creativity, patience, and building differently (35:16) - Andrew's outlook on the future of the financial services industry (44:13) - Andrew's Milemarket Minute Key Takeaways Whether you're selling a mortgage or a financial plan, technical skills are just the baseline. The real growth comes from mastering interpersonal and psychological engagement and understanding the emotional drivers behind a client's financial decisions. Plan a repeatable process. Growth becomes sustainable when your marketing and operations are simple enough to execute consistently every day. Design for less but better. Complexity is the enemy of efficiency. In leadership and tech, aim for intuitive design that reduces clicks and surprises. Your goal should be to create a "source of truth" for data that lets your team spend less time on administration and more time on high-value work. The best ideas at any conference or meeting rarely come from the person at the podium. They happen in the hallways, over coffee, or during shared activities. Quotes "Nobody gains great ideas by sitting there and being lectured at. It doesn't happen. The best stuff happens in the conversations on the edges." ~ Andrew Evans "You can't satisfy everyone. Whatever you've decided on for your firm's tech stack, someone is going to hate it. So, design for the firm's data integrity first, then let them pick their tools." ~ Andrew Evans "Focus on where your practice's source of truth is. That's where you really need your agent. Keep it focused. Keep it tight." ~ Andrew Evans Links Andrew Evans on LinkedIn Rossby Financial Raymond James The Unconference Kelsey McKenna Seeds Investor Midquel McClendon Capital Square The Design of Everyday Things Redtail Technology Wealthbox Advisor360 eMoney Advisor The Lord Of The Rings Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.
In this episode, I talk about why transforming your life starts with who and what you allow around you. Toxicity doesn't just come from obvious negativity — it shows up when we cling to comfort, tolerate misalignment, or listen to fear-based advice. I share why surrounding yourself with values-aligned people, diverse thinkers, and strong mentors accelerates growth and protects your vision. When you set boundaries, prioritize rest, and design environments that support your purpose, you stop leaking energy and start compounding it. This isn't a one-time decision — it's a daily practice of choosing growth over interference and committing to the consistent pursuit of your potential. To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com
https://theexposuretriangle.com/ - Mentorship and Mastermind Group is now open for enrollment - grab a seat before they are gone What does it actually take to build an ultra-luxury brand in the wedding industry? Maxine Owens didn't grow her business by chasing more weddings. She did it by refining her work, elevating her brand, and building intentional relationships with the right people. Today, she designs some of the highest-end weddings in the industry while taking on only a limited number of events each year. In this conversation, Maxine shares how she transitioned from zoology to luxury floral design, why rebranding transformed her business, and how genuine networking created real momentum. We also talk about client experience, creative alignment, and why saying no is often the move that moves you forward. This episode quietly reflects all three pillars of the Exposure Triangle: Work, Brand, and Network. Follow Maxine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxowensdesign/ Check out Maxine's Website: https://maxowensdesign.com/
Design is about more than just how something looks—it's about how it works for the people using it. On this episode of On Brand, I'm joined by Lee Hoddy, Executive Creative Director at Conran Design Group, to discuss how experience-led design can solve complex brand problems. We'll dive into how he leads multi-disciplinary teams to create meaningful work for global names like Sofitel and AstraZeneca, and why every great brand starts with a deep understanding of human needs, wants, and motivations. What You'll Learn in This Episode - How to map emotional friction points to find the gold in a brand experience - Why the pursuit of human endeavor is the key to branding functional industries like pharma - The reason storytelling acts as a sticky DNA thread across physical and digital touchpoints - How to conduct a multidisciplinary orchestra by surfacing the ambition in every brief - Why original ideas are the only way to escape the sea of sameness in an AI-driven world Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:22) Getting to the heart of human motivations (02:43) Mapping emotional micro-moments (04:54) Humanizing corporate and functional brands (06:39) Using storytelling as a brand DNA thread (10:53) Leading multidisciplinary creative teams (14:35) Creating the Brief 2.0 (17:31) AI and the currency of original ideas (24:14) A brand that made him smile (27:41) Outro About Lee Hoddy Lee Hoddy is the Executive Creative Director at Conran Design Group, where he is responsible for maintaining creative standards and solving brand problems through experience-led design. With a career spanning decades, Lee has lived through major industry shifts, enabling him to lead diverse teams of designers, strategists, and experience experts like a conducted orchestra. He has spearheaded major rebranding programs for global names such as Sofitel, AstraZeneca, and Bicester Motion, always focusing on the deep understanding of human needs to create meaningful, strategically grounded work. What Brand Has Made Lee Smile Recently? Lee recently found joy in the "Venture Beyond" campaign by Hermes, noting its use of evocative illustrations and artisanal craft that respects the audience's intelligence. He also highlighted Apple's "Critter Carol" for its charming, deeply human approach to technology, using puppets and physical craft rather than CGI to celebrate creativity. Resources & Links Check out the Conrad Design Group website. Connect with Lee on LinkedIn. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart explores how churches can host high impact outreach events without exhausting their leaders or volunteers. He introduces a practical outreach model built around clarity, simplicity, and gospel faithfulness.If you have ever wondered whether live outreach events are worth the cost, effort, or risk, this episode will equip you with a framework for doing them in a sustainable and effective way.Key Topics CoveredBurnout and outreach – Why many events cost more than they give backA killer event that does not kill your team – Designing for sustainabilityThe Amazing Chemistry Show – A practical outreach model that worksKey Quote“A killer event doesn't have to kill you or your team.”Scripture ReferencesJoshua 3:7 – “I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel.”Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”TakeawayEffective outreach does not require chaos, exhaustion, or embarrassment. When events are designed with the gospel, the audience, and volunteers in mind, outreach becomes energizing instead of draining.Call to ActionWe hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.Stay Connected for More ResourcesVisit our website: http://leadministry.comFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteersFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers
Susan Dabbar is the founder and editor-in-chief of Provoked by Susan – a bold, unapologetic digital magazine for women 50+, challenging and redefining how older women are seen, heard and represented. Susan's career has been shaped by fearless pivots. She began as a naval architect designing nuclear submarines, went on to shape brand strategy at companies including Disney and Nestlé, played professional poker, worked as an international education consultant – and then, in her 60s, launched a media platform because she couldn't find content that truly respected women's intelligence and lived experience. We talk about: -Why Susan launched Provoked after retiring – and why she wasn't finished yet The cultural gap in media for women over 50 (and why "Good Housekeeping" still exists) -Designing nuclear submarines – and knowing when it's time to walk away -What poker taught Susan about patience, power and underestimation -The myth of "passion" and why it can hold women back -How women learn to stop performing and start making space for themselves -The rise of the "I don't give a f***" woman – and why it matters -Female friendship as an underestimated source of power -The coming wealth transfer – and what it could mean when money lands in women's hands -Why AI risks reinforcing ageism and sexism if women don't shape it -Building something meaningful in your 60s – and aiming high without apology And more. f you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.
This is an episode all about the hard stuff. Politics. Disagreement on tour. Tour sites where the truth itself is in debate. Confronting places with complicated, dark histories.Most of the advice out there is: avoid this stuff at all costs. People just want to have fun, they're on vacation. Guides should stick to the script and make sure they don't say something that upsets the guests. I'm not here as a tour guide to shove my opinions down everyone's throats. Can't we all just get along? Can't we just keep the discourse civil?Our guest this week, Mike Fishback, is a middle-school humanities educator and curriculum designer who thinks this instinct is exactly the problem. "Civil discourse" isn't about keeping things polite — it's about strategies for engaging with and managing disagreement and difficulty in learning situations, like a tour. Mike learned through experience that it's unwise to sit back, cross your fingers, and hope you don't upset a guest. That there are powerful ways to lean into difficult topics that make the whole experience more meaningful — intentionally creating dialogue through artful questioning and participatory techniques. And he has the educational frameworks and two decades of lived experience to back every word of it up.Mike also happens to have spent years as a client of mine — I was the tour guide for his group of middle schoolers on trips to New York and DC, and I saw firsthand how he engaged his students with really meaty, difficult topics in a way that didn't shut them down but fired them up.The lessons here aren't for kids. They're for everyone. And if you've ever told yourself that your job is just to deliver the facts and keep things light, this conversation might be the most useful hour you spend all week.More takeaways and show notes on tourpreneur.com
In this episode of Take the Stage InSights, Brad Bialy sits down to interview ChatGPT (yes...the AI-powered LLM) to unpack the real state of staffing, the rise of AI, and what firms must do now to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting talent market. About the Guest For sake of this conversation, ChatGPT was primed to be an AI strategist and staffing industry analyst specializing in the intersection of talent markets, technology, and future disruption. With a data-driven lens and objective insights, ChatGPT explores how automation, workforce trends, and evolving recruiter roles are reshaping the future of staffing. Key Takeaways Transactional recruiting is dying; consultative partnership is winning. AI will eliminate tasks, not the need for trust. Specialization builds authority; dilution breeds confusion. Data is no longer optional—it's your competitive edge. Speed matters, but humanity closes the deal. Timestamps [00:01] – Resetting the staffing narrative [01:52] – The uncomfortable truth about talent shortages [03:34] – Why recruiters must become career architects [06:32] – Specialize or slowly disappear [07:49] – Selling roles vs. solving business problems [08:22] – Designing candidate experience that actually wins [12:02] – When AI becomes a gatekeeper (and how to stop it) [14:26] – The legacy mindset killing growth [17:43] – The questions that elevate you to strategic partner [21:53] – What AI will automate first — and fast [25:48] – Fewer recruiters. Bigger results. Here's why. [29:35] – The AI blind spot redefining success About the Host Brad Bialy is a trusted voice and highly sought-after speaker in the staffing and recruiting industry, known for helping firms grow through integrated marketing, sales, and recruiting strategies. With over 13 years at Haley Marketing and a proven track record guiding hundreds of firms, Brad brings deep expertise and a fresh, actionable perspective to every engagement. He's the host of Take the Stage and InSights, two of the staffing industry's leading podcasts with more than 200,000 downloads. Sponsors InSights is presented by Haley Marketing. For a limited time, we're offer 50% off of a brand new staffing website. Just message Brad Bialy on LinkedIn and mention the Crazy Website Promo. Book a 30-minute business and marketing consultation with host, Brad Bialy: https://bit.ly/Bialy30 This episode is brought to you by FoxHire. If you're looking for an Employer of Record partner that helps recruiters confidently grow contract placements and build recurring revenue without taking on extra risk, FoxHire is perfect for you. Learn more at FoxHire.com/Haley
In Part 3 of 4 of Shoe In Show's Behind the Design: A Masterclass in Sneaker Design, legendary Nike designer Wilson W. Smith III shares the personal foundation behind his work — from faith and conviction to the mindset required to lead creatively at the highest level. Moving beyond product and performance, Wilson reflects on the inner drivers that shaped his approach to design, leadership, and collaboration throughout his career. This episode explores how purpose influences creativity, how belief fuels resilience, and why the strongest design decisions often come from clarity within. Powered by Jones & Vining, this conversation offers a rare look at the human side of innovation — and the values that sustain it. With special guest: Wilson W. Smith III, Footwear Design Director Hosted by: Matt Priest
Cheryl Platz, Cheryl Platz, former UX Director for Riot Games, Scopely and Author of "The Game Development Strategy Guide," returns to The Product Experience to explore how video game design principles can transform product development. From her time at Riot Games and Marvel Strike Force to teaching at Carnegie Mellon, Cheryl shares hard-won lessons about player motivation, onboarding, and building products that thrive. Discover why competition is no longer the primary driver of modern gaming, how a children's game taught her about gendered design assumptions, and how she turned a catastrophic server outage into a UX win that made Reddit happy.Chapters06:03 Game development is cloud services plus filmmaking07:08 The problem with silos in game studios08:24 “Modern” games: live service, messy business models, shifting tastes09:58 Defining a game: players decide if you got it right11:41 Motivators of play and why they matter to product people12:26 Disney Friends: the moment a playtest rewrote the design17:19 Classic vs modern motivators: what technology changed20:41 The research that challenged the “games are competition” assumption22:36 Why game lessons translate to enterprise software (and where gamification goes wrong)25:19 Pro-social design: trust, safety and communities at scale28:33 Designing for companionship and shared experiences34:43 Onboarding as growth strategy, not a “nice to have”37:38 Journey mapping 100 levels: making invisible drop-off visible39:25 On-demand learning beats one-and-done tutorials41:58 Advice for people trying to break into games during layoffs44:36 Turning a sixth anniversary outage into a UX win Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.
Happy Mindful Monday Everyone!In this episode of Making Change With Your Money, host Laura Rotter sits down with Allie Brooke to explore the profound intersection of internal worth and external wealth. Allie shares her personal "Homecoming" story,a journey of breaking the mold of a "low-maintenance" life to reclaim a trajectory of unapologetic expansion. Together, they dive into the somatic reality of money. How our nervous systems respond to abundance, the "Achievement Amnesia" that keeps us feeling broke even when we're successful, and why healing your view of money is the ultimate catalyst for building a life that feels as good as it looks. What We Discuss in This Episode:The Pivot Point: Allie's personal story of the mindset shift that fundamentally altered the direction of her career and life.Healing the "Money Wound": Moving past the belief that we must shrink to be safe or stay "humble" to be worthy.Money as Fuel for Evolution: How to view financial resources not as a source of anxiety, but as a tool for personal and collective impact.The Somatics of Success: Why your body needs to feel "safe" with money before your bank account can reflect your true value.Designing the Next Chapter: Practical steps for reorienting your life around self-trust rather than a "borrowed map" of what success should look like.How To Connect w| LauraWebsitePodcast The Growth METHOD. FREE Membership◦ Join Here! 1:1 GROWTH MINDSET COACHING PROGRAMS!◦ Application Form What are the coaching sessions like?• Tailored weekly discussion questions and activities to spark introspection and self-discovery.• Guided reflections to help you delve deeper into your thoughts and feelings.• Thoughtfully facilitated sessions to provide maximum support, accountability, and growth.• Please apply for a FREE discovery call with me!• Allie's Socials• Instagram:@thegrowthmindsetgal• TikTok: @growthmindsetgal• Email: thegrowthmindsetgal@gmail.comLinks from the episode• Growth Mindset Gang Instagram Broadcast Channel• Growth Mindset Gang Newsletter • Growth Mindset Gal Website• Better Help Link: Save 10%SubstackDonate to GLOWIGloci 10% off Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mallory Willsea sits down with Emma Jamieson, Marketing Manager at Centennial College, to explore how her team has operationalized user-generated content (UGC) into a full-fledged strategy—not a side hustle. Emma reveals how UGC isn't just performing well; it's outperforming traditional branded ads in engagement, conversion, and trust. In a world flooded with AI-generated polish, this episode is a must-listen for higher ed marketers looking to prioritize credibility, human-centered storytelling, and results-driven social strategy. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Natural wonders and landmarks can make your D&D world unforgettable — even if you're a brand-new Game Master. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian explains how to design inspiring, memorable locations that spark player curiosity and generate adventures naturally. You'll learn: Why landmarks matter more than lore How to create memorable fantasy locations A simple 4-step landmark creation formula Beginner-friendly world-building advice Practical examples you can use immediately Perfect for new GMs building their first campaign world. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out our social media links here. Keep Gaming!
Send a textWelcome to Country Proud Living with your host LoriLynn. "Where nurturing spaces empower your life and every day feels a little more like home." In today's episode, LoriLynn shares a real-life moment of pause—when grief and heaviness made it impossible to “push through”—and how that experience became a gentle invitation to soften the inner critic. You'll learn how grace can be a design principle for your inner life and your home: creating space, light, margin, and a soft place to land.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the inner critic often whispers (and why we mistake it for “truth” or “motivation”)How perfection can feel like belonging—and how to loosen its gripA simple, no-journaling practice to respond with compassion: “Would I speak to someone I love this way?”How your home environment can amplify self-judgment—or support healingWhy releasing urgency is a form of self-respect (especially for high-capacity women)A simple practice (try this today):When your inner critic shows up, pause and ask: “Would I speak to someone I love this way?”Episode Timeline:
Episode Description:This archival conversation with Ramit Sethi is a masterclass in systems thinking, behavioral psychology, and building a “rich life” on your own terms.Long before online courses were mainstream, Ramit was quietly building scalable systems—automating money, testing business ideas rigorously, and rejecting conventional wisdom around careers, housing, and passion. In this conversation, he explains why most advice fails, why willpower is overrated, and how to engineer results instead of hoping for inspiration.They cover negotiation psychology, competence triggers, breaking into dream jobs without HR, why buying a house isn't always the best investment, and how to build a real online business—from research to first sale.This episode still holds up because it's not about hacks. It's about structure. Systems. Leverage. And testing instead of guessing.What You'll Learn:Why analyzing your own behavior (even on video) is one of the fastest ways to improveThe concept of “competence triggers” and how to use them in interviews and negotiationsWhy most financial advice (like skipping lattes) focuses on the wrong problemsHow to negotiate salary without anchoring yourself to your current payThe step-by-step system for building an online business—from research to first saleTimestamped Chapters:[00:02:00] Human Behavior, Willpower & Cognitive Misers[00:03:00] Ramit's Origin Story: Scholarships, Interviews & Self-Analysis[00:06:00] The Power of Videotaping Yourself[00:08:00] Losing Money & Discovering Personal Finance Psychology[00:09:00] Why Latte Advice Doesn't Work[00:11:00] Automating Money & Designing a Rich Life[00:14:00] The Housing Myth & Financial “Great Lies”[00:18:00] How to Land a Dream Job (Without HR)[00:20:00] Negotiation Tactics & Avoiding Salary Anchors[00:28:00] Competence Triggers & Social Signaling[00:34:00] Why Courses Beat Books (For Results)[00:38:00] Zero to Launch: Why Most Passive Income Advice Is Wrong[00:41:00] Research Before Building: Finding Profitable Ideas[00:44:00] Writing Headlines That Sell[00:49:00] Traffic Strategy: Guest Posting & Email Lists[00:52:00] Case Study: Turning Tutoring into $200KAdditional Resources:Ramit Sethi's WebsiteI Will Teach You to Be Rich - The BookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.