Drafting of a plan or convention for the construction of an object or of a system; process of creation; act of creativity and innovation
POPULARITY
Categories
This week on the show, you're going to ride along with me from the incredibly comfortable and stylish VW ID.Buzz, which served as the mobile podcast studio at CEDIA Expo / CIX this September in Denver, Colorado. Were going back for more conversations from the show. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) is the global trade association for home technology professionals, specializing in smart home, automation, audio-visual, networking, and integrated systems. Its mission is to advance the home technology industry through education, certification, advocacy, and networking. Members include integrators, designers, manufacturers, and consultants who shape the connected environments we live and work in. CEDIA Expo is the industry's largest annual event for residential technology professionals. With hundreds of exhibitors, educational sessions, live demos, and global networking opportunities, it's where new ideas and innovations in smart home and AV integration take center stage. The Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX), co-located with CEDIA Expo, focuses on commercial integration technologies—from conferencing and IT infrastructure to building automation and emerging AV solutions—bringing together commercial integrators, IT pros, designers, and tech managers. Jason McGraw | Group VP and Show Director, CEDIA Expo / CIX Scope of the Show: McGraw details the scale of CEDIA Expo 2025, featuring over 350 exhibitors and immersive demo rooms that showcase integrated audio, video, and control systems. Integration Meets Design: Discussion centers on the critical partnership between integrators and the design-build community (interior designers, architects, builders). McGraw emphasizes that technology—ranging from AI and energy management to lighting—must be a foundational element of the design process, not an afterthought. The Business Case: Designers are encouraged to view integrators as essential trade partners, similar to electricians or plumbers, to better service clients and protect home networks. Dale Sandberg | Product Manager for Electronics, Sonance Aesthetic Performance: Sandberg discusses Sonance's philosophy that sound should support the design of a space rather than dominate it. The focus is on blending high-fidelity performance with discreet aesthetics. New Innovations: Highlights include the compact UA Series amplifiers designed to fit behind displays or in tight spaces, and the integration of professional-grade Blaze Audio amplifiers into the Sonance family. Outdoor Living: The conversation covers the growing trend of outdoor entertainment, where amplifiers and speakers are used to create immersive environments in backyards and outdoor kitchens. Jim Garrett | Senior Director of Product Strategy, Harman Luxury Audio Group Hidden Technology: Garrett addresses the challenge of eliminating “wall acne” through invisible speakers and design-integrated solutions that do not compromise acoustic performance. Pandemic Influence: The discussion explores how the pandemic shifted focus toward outdoor living and unconventional entertainment spaces, including garages and multi-generational gaming setups. Brand Portfolio: Insights into the product strategies for Harman's luxury brands—JBL, Revel, Mark Levinson, and JBL Synthesis—and the importance of gathering direct feedback from integrators to drive R&D. Links & Resources CEDIA Expo Commercial Integrator Expo NKBA – National Kitchen & Bath Association KBIS – Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Show Topics & Outline CEDIA Expo 2025 Snapshot Denver, Colorado Convention Center 350+ exhibiting brands, 100+ conference sessions, 115 manufacturer trainings Demo rooms showcasing integrated audio, video, and control systems The Wave Effect of Trade Shows Innovation as unseen currents shaping the industry Ideas incubated at CEDIA spreading across markets and returning as trends Integration Meets Design Town hall insights with CEDIA's Daryl Friedman & NKBA's Bill Darcy Bridging integrators with interior designers, kitchen & bath professionals, and architects Untapped opportunities in collaborative smart home projects Technology as a Design Driver AI, energy management, lighting trends, and seamless AV systems Why technology must be discussed at the start of design projects Case studies: motorized shades, outdoor AV, invisible speakers, custom veneers Outdoor Living & Luxury Spaces Kitchens and backyards as multi-hundred-thousand-dollar investments Expanding living spaces through technology Luxury demo rooms and high-performance home theaters Why Designers Should Be Here Missing out on competitive advantages without CEDIA exposure Seeing products in person vs. static web images Real examples of design-centric AV solutions and invisible tech The Business Case Designers need integrators just as they need electricians, plumbers, and fabricators Protecting networks and ensuring cybersecurity in the home Service and maintenance as part of the client experience Looking Forward Progress and serendipity at trade shows Extending collaboration with KBIS and IBS (Orlando, 2026) Building lasting bridges between integrators and designers Links & Resources CEDIA Expo Commercial Integrator Expo NKBA – National Kitchen & Bath Association KBIS – Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Dale Sandberg on Sonance, New Electronics, and Designing for Sonic + Aesthetic Experience Dale Sandberg, new Product Manager for Electronics at Sonance, shares how the company is blending high-fidelity performance with discreet design solutions, introducing amplifiers and loudspeakers that elevate both sonic and aesthetic experiences in residential and commercial spaces. At his first CEDIA Expo, Dale highlights Sonance's latest innovations, from compact UA Series amplifiers designed to disappear behind displays to Blaze Audio's professional-grade amplifiers now integrated into the Sonance family. With a philosophy that sound should enhance the design of a space rather than dominate it, Sonance is shaping how integrators and designers deliver immersive, comfortable experiences both indoors and out. Guest: Dale Sandberg, Product Manager for Electronics, Sonance. Background: from pro audio to Sonance, less than one year with the company. Context: first CEDIA Expo experience, excitement about Sonance's direction. New Product Highlights Loudspeakers High Output Series (professional side). Wedge speaker for outdoor/architectural blending. Re-engineered Power Pipe subwoofers for stronger low-end performance. UA Series Amplifiers Compact two-channel models (UA-125, ARC-enabled versions). Mountable behind TVs, under tables, or in tight spaces. Features T-slots for stacking/mounting other gear. Energy-efficient design with minimal heat output. Blaze Audio Amplifiers Sonance acquisition of Blaze Audio brand (Pascal, Denmark). Range from 60W per channel up to 400W bridged. Full DSP capability, rack-mountable, UL-rated. Outdoor applications via weather-rated cases. Design & Integration Perspective Compact electronics give designers freedom to hide gear while maintaining performance. Balancing performance and aesthetics: sound follows the design, not the other way around. Example: background music at parties that fills space without overwhelming conversation. Outdoor living trend: amplifiers and speakers enabling outdoor kitchens, theaters, and entertainment spaces. Company Ethos & Philosophy Mission: deliver complete audio solutions—amplification, processing, and speakers. Philosophy: the sonic experience should support the aesthetic experience of a home or space. Growth vision: expand residential dominance while building commercial presence. Takeaway: not just about volume—it's about creating the right experience. Jim Garrett | Harman Luxury Audio Jim Garrett on Harman's Audio Innovations, Hidden Tech, and Pandemic-Inspired Entertainment Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Product Strategy and Planning at Harman Luxury Audio Group, shares how the company balances high-performance audio with design aesthetics, explores emerging opportunities in outdoor and unconventional home entertainment, and highlights why integrator feedback is vital to shaping future products. From invisible speakers to immersive home cinema solutions, Jim Garrett takes listeners behind the scenes of Harman's engineering and R&D process, discussing product development for brands like JBL, Revel, Synthesis, and Mark Levinson. He explains how the pandemic inspired new entertainment spaces, how technology can be seamlessly integrated into interiors, and why CEDIA Expo remains an essential hub for innovation, collaboration, and awareness in the custom electronics industry. Guest: Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Product Strategy & Planning, Harman Luxury Audio Group. Role: Oversees product roadmap, development direction, and exhibition strategy. Context: Recorded in Volkswagen ID.Buzz at CEDIA Expo 2025. CEDIA Expo 2025 Overview Largest booth shared with parent company Samsung. Opportunity to engage integrators directly and gather actionable feedback. Importance of listening to installation professionals to improve products. Product Strategy and Brand Focus Harman Luxury Audio Group brands: JBL, JBL Synthesis, Revel, Mark Levinson. Focus at Expo: JBL Synthesis for home cinema and immersive audio. Solutions include invisible speakers, wall/ceiling installations, and custom home audio products. Balancing Performance and Aesthetics Challenge: high-performance products that are visually unobtrusive. Goal: eliminate “wall acne” with invisible or design-integrated speakers. Inspiration drawn from evolution in lighting design to minimize visual clutter. Engineering and R&D Harman's science-based approach: performance must meet visual and acoustic demands. Innovation includes weatherproof outdoor speakers and displays for bright sunlight. Teams challenged to create high-fidelity systems that integrate seamlessly into homes. Expanding Entertainment Spaces Pandemic influence: growth of outdoor living and unconventional entertainment areas. Multi-generational engagement: home theaters, garages, patios, bathrooms, and gaming setups. Flexibility of audio/video systems allows new experiences across the home. Integration and Awareness Educating interior designers, architects, and end users about hidden tech. Raising awareness of capabilities beyond audio: lighting, shades, HVAC, security integration. Emphasis on simplifying life at home while elevating performance and experience.
On a freezing morning, it feels smart to let your car idle and warm up before driving off. But is it? Modern engines aren't built the way they used to be. In fact, letting your car sit and idle too long may not be doing what you think it is. This episode begins with what actually happens under the hood — and how long you really should wait before you hit the gas and go. https://www.mensjournal.com/gear/stop-idling-like-its-1985-warm-up-your-car-right There are few communication situations more intense than when a Secret Service agent speaks with someone who has threatened the President of the United States. In those moments, connection, trust, and careful listening aren't just helpful — they're critical. Brad Beeler developed his communication skills in those exact circumstances and shares how anyone can apply those same techniques to everyday conversations. Brad served in many roles at the Secret Service including on the protection detail for President George H.W. Bush. He is author of Tell Me Everything: A Secret Service Agent's Proven Strategies for Earning Trust, Revealing the Truth, and Communicating with Anyone (https://amzn.to/3M5YlKy). Designing a meaningful life may not be about discovering your one true calling or waiting for passion to strike. What if finding meaning is something you build through experimentation — by testing ideas, adjusting course, and learning from experience? Bill Burnett explains how “design thinking” can be applied to life itself. He is executive director of the Stanford Life Design Lab, founder of the Designing Your Life Institute, and co-author of How to Live a Meaningful Life: Using Design Thinking to Unlock Purpose, Joy, and Flow Every Day. (https://amzn.to/4ataW2i) And finally, when a company doesn't honor its promise, most people either complain or give up. But there's another tool that can quickly get a retailer's attention: the chargeback. We wrap up with how chargebacks actually work — and why businesses take them very seriously. https://www.mastercard.com/us/en/news-and-trends/Insights/2025/what-s-the-true-cost-of-a-chargeback-in-2025.html PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS QUINCE: Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Go to https://Quince.dom/sysk for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! HIMS: For simple, online access to personalized and affordable care for Hair Loss, ED, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/SOMETHING for your free online visit! SHOPIFY: Sign up for your $1 per month trail and start selling today at https://Shopify.com/sysk DELL: Dell Tech Days are here. Enjoy huge deals on PCs like the Dell 14 Plus with Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Visit https://Dell.com/deals PLANET VISIONARIES: We love the Planet Visionaries podcast, so listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you're listening to this podcast! In partnership with The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework Anthony Laney didn't "get lucky." He was nudged by a mentor who asked a few pointed questions that changed his path. What followed was a slow, intentional climb from modest beginnings to a studio known for exceptional residential work. In this conversation, you'll hear how Anthony thinks about designing the practice, not just the projects. He shares how he built momentum without betting the farm, why he keeps investing in guidance, and what happens when a team learns to treat truth as fuel instead of a threat. You'll also catch the mindset shifts behind growth: how to face uncertainty, turn hard moments into process upgrades, and build a culture where high standards feel energizing, not crushing. The simple outreach move that made other firms want to send him work (and why most architects never try it). The "feedback rule" that sounds intense… until you hear what it does to performance and trust. The quiet metric he watches that reveals more about a firm's health than "busy" ever will. To learn more about Anthony, visit his: www.laney.la
In this week's episode, we're bringing you a powerful panel replay straight from our ALT 2025 stage: Retain to Grow: Designing Development Runways for High-Growth Employees. On this panel, Kaeli is joined by Shelby Miller, DNP, Heidi Hermel, NP, and Rachel King, FNP-C. Each of these founders leads a thriving practice with strong team culture. And notably, each operates under a different compensation structure. Three different models. Three successful, growing organizations. This panel conversation dives deep into what it really takes to attract, develop, and retain top talent in today's competitive landscape. We unpack compensation models that actually drive performance, when profit-sharing makes sense, how to structure growth pathways, and the balance between rewarding excellence while protecting the business. You'll hear transparent conversations around commission structures, onboarding, mentorship tiers, leadership development, and how to prevent your best people from being lured away by flashy offers that don't hold up under scrutiny. More importantly, we explore how to create emotional loyalty, cast long-term vision, and build a culture where high performers see their future with you. If you've ever wondered how to grow without losing your best people, this episode is for you. And if this conversation resonates, ALT 2026 is where you need to be. Register for ALT by February 28 and receive a complimentary 1:1 Mini Intensive — a private 2-hour strategy session designed to tackle your biggest business challenge. Exclusive to the first 10 registrations $1,297 value Personalized action plan you can implement immediately We'll see you in the room! Resources → Snag your ticket for the ALT Experience → Join the Fierce Factor Society → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: @kaeli.lindholm Additional Ways to Connect: Book a Discovery Call: Ready to scale with intention? Let's map out your next strategic move. KLC Consulting Website Kaeli on LinkedIn
Episode 212: In this episode of Accelerate, Nicola Graham is joined by Jason — Founder of Joyned Capital, former semi-professional footballer in the Netherlands, and a leader at the intersection of athlete identity and technology investment. Jason's journey spans elite sport, corporate banking, venture building, and two years designing and running the Qatar SportsTech accelerator programme — giving him a rare perspective on both sides of the performance and investment table. After transitioning out of football, he made it his mission to reshape the narrative around athletes in business and redefine how investors engage with sport and technology. Now through Joyned Capital, Jason is focused on changing the face of investment — building bridges between high-performance sport and high-growth tech, while empowering athletes to become credible, strategic investors. Across the conversation, Jason breaks down what the high-performance mindset really looks like beyond the pitch — exploring growth, curiosity, relentlessness and grit in the world of startups and venture capital. He shares practical insights into the different types of capital founders can pursue, and why relationships — not just capital — are the true currency in early-stage investment. ㅤ Topics Discussed: • From semi-pro football to founder and investor • Designing and leading Qatar SportsTech's accelerator • The high-performance mindset in venture • Understanding different types of investment capital • The rise of the athlete investor • Building meaningful investor–founder relationships - Where you can find Jason: LinkedIn Website Instagram - Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world's leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport. - Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Steve Barrett Pete McKnight
In this episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, Tyler and Coleman sit down with Dr. Job Fransen—skill acquisition researcher, professor at Charles Sturt University, and former consultant to the Oklahoma City Thunder—to unpack what skill actually is and how coaches can better design environments that develop adaptable players. Job draws a powerful distinction between technique and skill, reframing skill as adaptability within context rather than mechanical perfection. From perception-action coupling to the limits of “memory bank” thinking, this conversation challenges traditional motor learning narratives and encourages coaches to rethink how players truly self-organize under pressure.We also dive deep into the confidence–competence continuum and why intentional practice design matters more than specific drills. Job explains how drilling can boost short-term confidence while variable, high-error environments build long-term learning—and why elite coaches must learn to surf that continuum in real time. The conversation expands into group dynamics, team learning vs. individual development, practice quality, sparring partners, feedback culture, and why decontextualized “brain training” methods often fail to transfer to the game. This episode is a masterclass in blending research with real-world coaching intuition.00:00 Introduction and background 07:20 Defining skill vs. technique 09:46 Motor programs vs. perception-action coupling 14:19 The confidence–competence continuum explained 17:22 Drilling vs. learning-focused practice 21:02 Designing practice across a season 22:32 “Hinging points” and dynamic coaching 26:39 The role of intuition in coaching and learning 31:43 Being a “fly on the wall” in elite organizations 36:27 What coaches should avoid (decontextualized training) 40:14 Group training and upskilling the lowest-level player 46:59 Organizational culture and collective development 54:04 Trends in high-performing organizations 58:49 Individual development vs. team learning 01:02:27 The “superstar highway” paradox in team performance 01:05:14 Ecological dynamics and group research gaps 01:12:10 Where research has changed Job's mindBAM Coaches Platform: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/ BAM Books: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/blueprint-bookLearn more from Dr. Job Fransen:skillacq.comhttps://www.skillacq.com/online-pathway-programsjob.fransen@skillacq.comGoogle scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JCXMOrgAAAAJ&hl=nlSchool email: jfransen@csu.edu.auIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another coach who's serious about building adaptable, game-ready players. We'll see you in the next one.
Episode 213 with Sander de Klerk, CEO and Founder of The Good Roll, a fast growing ecosystem reshaping the global paper industry through circular production, ethical sourcing, and socially inclusive solutions rooted in Africa.Recently named EY Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2024, Sander is building far more than a sustainable consumer brand. What began as The Good Roll, producing tree friendly toilet paper from recycled paper, has evolved into a fully integrated value chain anchored in Ghana. At the heart of the model is bamboo pulp production, working with thousands of farmers and creating hundreds of jobs while supplying sustainable raw materials to producers across Africa and Europe.Sander explains how The Good Roll is challenging traditional extractive trade models by retaining value at source and positioning Africa as a serious player in global manufacturing. From building production capacity in Ghana to connecting African processing with European markets, he shares the realities of scaling industry across continents. We explore why sanitation must be viewed not only as a public health issue but as a foundational economic priority, and how sustainability can move from being perceived as a cost to becoming a competitive growth strategy.What We Discuss With SanderThe future of Africa in global manufacturing and how circular production models can increase value retention on the continent.The commercial case for bamboo as a scalable industrial input in sustainable packaging and paper production.How sanitation infrastructure links directly to economic participation and workforce productivity.Designing impact driven businesses that balance ESG commitments with profitability and investor confidence.New financing pathways for African industrial ventures beyond traditional bank lending.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Africa Can Become a Global Remote Work Hub: AI, Employer of Record & The Future of Work? Make sure to check it out!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Sander:LinkedIn - Sander de Klerk and Talenteum.com / The Good Roll | B CorpWebsite - thegoodroll.co.ukMany of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don't do it alone. If you'd like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group: www.etkgroup.co.ukinfo@etkgroup.co.uk
Send a textMost salon owners aren't stuck because they're lazy. They're stuck because they're not making structural changes to their business.They work harder. They take more clients. They stay late. They put out fires all day long. But the underlying systems, leadership structure, and business design never evolve, and eventually, growth stops.In this episode, we break down why salon owners fall into autopilot, how early success can create long-term stagnation, and why reactive decision-making keeps businesses trapped in the same patterns year after year.We also talk about leadership mindset shifts, intentionally building systems, asking better questions, and why working more hours isn't the solution. The solution is stepping out of operations mode and designing a business that can actually grow.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.And growth begins when you stop operating on autopilot.KEY TAKEAWAYSHard work alone won't evolve your business.Structural change is required for growth.Reactive leadership creates recurring problems.Systems eliminate repeated decision fatigue.Familiar patterns can limit long-term growth.Leadership confidence directly affects team stability.Early success can hide structural weaknesses.Ignoring financial data creates long-term stress.Owners must shift from being technicians to architects.Intentional design creates sustainable businesses.TIME STAMPS00:00 — Salon rebuild update and episode overview 02:00 — Jen's opening take: environment affects performance and confidence 05:00 — Todd's opening takes: autopilot and adapting retail models 09:00 — Why salon owners stay stuck 12:00 — Hard work vs structural change 15:00 — Reactive businesses vs intentional businesses 18:00 — Systems reduce daily chaos and stress 20:00 — Why familiarity keeps owners stuck 22:00 — Leadership uncertainty and staff hesitation 24:00 — Early success creates false stability 27:00 — Ignoring numbers and buried financial stress 29:00 — Asking for help and gaining clarity 31:00 — Leadership mindset shifts required for growth 33:00 — Why managers don't fix broken leadership 35:00 — Designing your business intentionally 37:00 — Final thoughts and next stepsLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website
In this week's episode, join Mark, Lindsey, Jake, and Piper as they design their very own themed cruise ships! If you like what you hear, and want more, make sure to join our Magic Mafia family at patreon.com/wtmhpodcastSupport the show
In this New Year episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Lisa Vino and Russell Nolte are joined by David Viergutz, founder of Scare Mail and CEO of Epistolary.com, to talk about a business metric Lisa now can't unsee: AOV (Average Order Value). What begins as a direct-sales strategy conversation quickly turns into a masterclass on premium experiences, fandom-building, and escaping the tired publishing “rat race.” David shares how he went from running ads in the 20 Books / SPS model to building a thriving story-letter empire, why epistolary fiction is story-first or die, and how authors can experiment with higher-priced offers without losing the magic. The through-line: in a world flooded with AI and noise, the advantage is human creativity, bold formats, and products that feel like experiences.Topics Covered:* What AOV (Average Order Value) is and why it matters for direct sales* Thinking like a business owner without losing your author soul* David's origin story: list-building, ads, and long-term strategy* Why niche audiences can still generate massive success* “Taylor Swift pricing” as a mindset shift for premium offers* Why experiences sell: readers remember how something made them feel* The birth of Scare Mail: the mailbox as a storytelling medium* Epistolary fiction basics: letters, artifacts, rabbit holes, and immersion* Why some stories should never be “novelized”* Building a blue ocean: creating a category people can't comparison-shop* Why the most online generation craves print and human touch* How fandom deepens through participation and interactivity* “Move closer to the customer” as a modern business principle* Building a cult-level fanbase one person at a time* The “thousand true fans” concept applied to premium fiction* Author archetypes and why “aquatic” creators win by reinventing formats* Premium experiences that scale like books: create once, sell forever* The customer journey is the same for gum, books, and Teslas (attention is the difference)* Why Amazon's rules aren't the only axis you can play on* Why KU is not the whole market (and why authors mistake it for the whole audience)* Pricing power: increasing prices without dips when the experience is unique* The economics problem: $20 customer acquisition vs. $3.99 products* Direct sales advantages: owning the customer relationship and reducing noise* Indie presses and “algorithm rain” strategies that don't actually market* The Fire & Ice offer: two versions, premium pricing, and upsells to raise AOV* Why customers should pay shipping (and why authors often sabotage margins)* Risk reversal: refunding + buying a competitor's book as a bold trust play* Testing product ideas cheaply: MOQ realities and starting with paper-based artifacts* Story-letter fundamentals: hook the story first, then explain the delivery* The epistolary rule: if you can't explain “why letters?” start over* Artifacts defined: what counts, what works, and what's lazy filler* Examples of artifacts: polaroids, recipes, journal entries, QR codes, audio links, word searches, ribbons, puzzles* Designing artifacts to enhance story, not add envelope weight* The “scavenger hunt” model: clues, interaction, and layered payoff* Creativity as competitive advantage in an AI-saturated world* “Get weird” as strategy: uniqueness creates true blue-ocean differentiation* Where to find David and how to pitch an epistolary project This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com
Designing Your Own House explores why architects hesitate to design their own homes: pressure, endless choices, ego vs livability, money, and what it reveals.
Stephen Wolfram answers general questions from his viewers about science and technology as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-qaTopics: How light is generated and structured - What it means to see color - Constraints of human vision - How the brain interprets visual signals - Designing visual effects with AI
Designing Your Homestead Join Jim as he thinks outside the box and offers suggestions to get you started with a firm foundation to design a homestead.
Productivity advice rarely works for ADHD brains, not because you're lazy or undisciplined, but because most systems are built for neurotypical consistency. In this episode of Adulting with ADHD, Sarah talks with Robert Simms, founder of Embodied Resilience Wellness Clinic, registered social worker, Indigenous practitioner, and neurodivergent adult, about designing home and money systems that actually work with your brain, not against it. Robert shares how discovering his own neurodivergence later in life reshaped how he approaches routines, finances, and daily structure. Instead of relying on motivation, discipline, or "just try harder," he explains how neuro affirming systems focus on variability, interest, energy fluctuations, and external supports. They explore why traditional productivity advice often fails ADHD adults, and how small environmental tweaks, not willpower, create sustainable change. In this episode, we talk about: What "neuro affirming" actually means in daily life Why consistency doesn't work the way we think it should Externalizing executive function with reminders, automation, and visual cues Removing shame and guilt from missed tasks and imperfect follow through Designing systems around strengths like hyperfocus and pattern recognition Why "inconsistently consistent" is a realistic goal Robert also shares practical home and money hacks, including: Set it and forget it bill automation when financially safe to do so Simplifying bank accounts and credit cards to reduce overwhelm Creating small financial buffers for predictable emergencies Using visible, contained systems for everyday items like keys, wallets, and kids' clutter The five minute rule for task initiation Rotating routines instead of abandoning them when interest drops One of the most powerful reframes in this conversation: your home should function like an accommodation. If the outside world isn't built for your brain, your personal systems can be. Neuro affirming systems are not about doing more. They are about building support structures that match how your brain actually works, with flexibility, compassion, and less shame. Resources mentioned: Embodied Resilience Wellness Clinic – www.embodiedresilience.ca Robert's weekly YouTube live series, "All Things Neurodivergence" Follow Embodied Resilience on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube
My guest today is Ken Greenberg - urban designer, city builder, and one of the most influential voices in shaping how North American cities think about density, public space, and climate resilience. Cities are where the climate crisis becomes real. Cities are where emissions are generated, where heat is felt, where floods happen, and where millions of daily decisions - about housing, mobility, energy, and land - quietly shape our collective future. For decades, Ken has worked with cities around the world, helping them better understand that the question isn't how dense we should we make our cities; but how we should make our cities dense, and what kind of life that density makes possible. In this conversation, we talk about cities as adaptive organisms - places that evolve in response to powerful forces, including climate change. Ken reflects on his early experiences in city-making, his work with Jane Jacobs, and what it means to design for organized complexity rather than false certainty. We explore how urban form shapes emissions, why car-dependent sprawl is at the heart of both the housing and climate crises, and how walkable, mixed-use communities dramatically reduce our environmental footprint. We also talk about climate adaptation, from providing shade and green infrastructure, to flood-resilient landscapes, to rethinking public space in an era of extreme heat and weather. This is a wide-ranging conversation about patience, humility, and long-term thinking - about building cities that can learn, recover, and care for people in a century defined by uncertainty. At its core, this episode is a reminder that cities have survived enormous upheaval before - and that with imagination, collaboration, and courage, they can help lead us through what comes next. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ken Greenberg.
In this episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, Jason and Shelby are joined by Nashville's own Sooner Routhier, a visionary production and lighting designer whose work has defined the visual identity of modern live music. As the CEO of The Playground, Sooner has earned prestigious accolades including multiple Parnelli Awards and the Live Design Achievement Award. She is the creative force behind some of the highest-grossing tours in history, notably serving as the lighting designer for Coldplay's record-breaking Music of the Spheres World Tour and the co-production designer for The Lumineers' 2025 Automatic World Tour. Her portfolio spans genres and generations, from the theatrical world of the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience to stadium shows for The Weeknd, Rihanna, and Chris Stapleton. Beyond her technical mastery, Sooner is a champion for industry evolution as the co-founder of EVEN, an organization dedicated to fostering diversity and mentorship within the live events community.
Christina is joined by 2026 Oscar nominated costume designer Malgosia Turzanska, celebrated for her extraordinary work on Chloé Zhao's Hamnet. Known for her unforgettable costumes in Train Dreams, Stranger Things, The Green Knight, X, Pearl, and more, Malgosia takes us deep into her art and the creative journey behind one of the year's most talked-about films. They discuss the rich research behind Elizabethan clothing, the intimate storytelling within the Shakespeare family, and her concept of “emotional dressing,” where every detail carries meaning. From Agnes' striking reds in Jessie Buckley's Oscar nominated performance, to the protective padding worn by Shakespeare's mother, portrayed by Emily Watson, to Will Shakespeare's (Paul Mescal) ink-stained fingers, and much more. Plus, what Malgosia herself will be wearing to the Oscars! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
I once heard a woman say that when her son was diagnosed with cancer, she knew she had to be impeccable with her self-care so she could show up as her best self. She needed to ensure her diet, sleep, and exercise fueled her with the bandwidth she needed. The state of the world is...a lot. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious, and that's why I've decided to make self-care the focus of the next few months. To help you come up with some practices that will give you the bandwidth you need. Self-care is one of the pillars of my life. I've learned that if I don't make it a habit, I tend to run myself into the ground. In the next few months, I'm going to go into detail about my self-care practices from skincare to diet/supplements to movement to time with friends, and hopefully you can pick up some nuggets and craft some self-care rituals of your own. In this episode I talk about how you can use brain science to create a skincare ritual you will want to stick with. As someone who didn't have a skincare practice until I was in my 40s, these are the steps I took to change my actions until they became a habit.Next Episodes Feb 26, 2026: [SELF-CARE] My AM Skin RitualMar 5, 2026: [SELF-CARE] My PM Skin RitualResources: -Easy ways to call your reps with scripts and numbers. It takes 2 minutes. Make your voice heard and tell a friend https://5calls.org/ -The Seven Steps to Glowing Skin for Women Over Forty https://subscribepage.com/sevensteps -Website: http://BYWDreams.com -My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
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
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.
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
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 Making a (Multi) Million Dollar Medspa, Kathy sits down with AesthetiCare General Manager Tracie Duke to unpack the real-world playbook for opening and scaling new medspa locations. They walk through how to think about staffing models for 3- and 5-person clinics, when to hire (and train) your team before opening, and how to protect payroll while still delivering a five-star client experience. The conversation also dives into site selection strategy, buildout budgeting, equipment must-haves, and room design details that directly impact efficiency, culture, and long-term profitability across multiple locations.Talking PointsTranslating retail cosmetics experience into medspa operations, sales, and customer service.Staffing models for 3‑ and 5‑person clinics, including the role of a working manager.The “for every two 80%-booked providers, you need one support staff” staffing rule.Why you should hire and train at least 90 days before opening a new location.Using your main clinic to transfer culture and ensure a consistent client experience across all locations.How to choose a location: growth areas, cost per square foot, privacy, and B2B neighbors.Where to spend vs. save in the build‑out (lobby and front desk, treatment beds, simpler treatment rooms).Non‑negotiable equipment to open with: core laser platform, HydraFacial, medical microderm + LED, and VISIA imaging.Budget tips: spreadsheets, tracking invoices, saving on furniture and finishes so you can invest in equipment.Designing lobby, consult, numbing, and treatment rooms for flow, storage, comfort, and long‑term efficiency.Download episode resource hereOur SponsorsEpisode Sponsors: Omni Bioceuticals
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.
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
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.