Podcasts about human connections

This week on Blocked and Reported, Jesse and Katie dig into a new report claiming that trans journalist and influencer Erin Reed has spent years passing off error-riddled, AI-generated text as her own reporting. Plus: Nikole Hannah-Jones revisits her decision to send her daughter to a struggling public school.In Fighting for Every Blac… To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

"If you stop learning, you stop growing." — Philip SchembraIn a world obsessed with digital efficiency and quick fixes, the real currency of a meaningful life remains independent thought, presence, and intentional effort.In this landmark 300th episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes his father, Philip Anthony Schembra, owner and Broker-in-Charge of Schembra Real Estate Group. Philip reflects on his roots in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, his record-breaking 50-year career in Hilton Head Island real estate, and his lifelong commitment to sales as an act of service, connection, and mentorship. He breaks down the importance of specialization, reading social styles with empathy, and balancing high ambition with family, lifestyle, and philanthropy.10 Memorable Quotes:"If you stop learning, you stop growing." — Philip Schembra"I don't think work is defined by the way people think. If you let work be fun, enjoyable, and rewarding, it's not work. I stopped working forever ago." — Philip Schembra"When you're in need, ask for help. From an efficiency standpoint, it gets you to where you want to go a heck of a lot faster." — Philip Schembra"Be a specialist, and then be the best that you possibly could be at whatever product you have." — Philip Schembra"Real currency in a meaningful life remains independent thought, presence, and intentional effort." — Chris Schembra"You don't want to be the richest guy in the cemetery." — Philip Schembra"In anything you do in life, if you don't believe in it, don't do it." — Philip Schembra"If you get out of your world and get into your client's world, everything opens up." — Philip Schembra"When you give, you get." — Philip Schembra"Gratitude doesn't change your circumstances; it changes your capacity to carry them." — Chris Schembra10 Key Takeaways:Embracing Specialization Over Generalization: How narrowing focus exclusively to Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove, and Leamington built a record-breaking, resilient real estate practice.Reading Social Styles with Empathy: Applying Wilson Learning's social styles model (Amiable, Expressive, Analytical, Driver) to step into the client's world through active listening.Asking for Help as Trust Building: Overcoming ego to proactively seek guidance from mentors, colleagues, and experts to strengthen teams and accelerate growth.Translating Athletics to Enterprise: Carrying the mindset of preparation, positive mental attitude, and team culture learned under legendary Glen Ridge High School coaches into business success.Selling Experiences Over Mere Investment: Positioning real estate around family memories, lifestyle, and community enjoyment rather than transactional numbers.The Power of Mentorship: Drawing lifelong strategic wisdom from senior executives, including former RCA Victor President Norman Racusin.Balancing Work, Lifestyle, and Philanthropy: Creating a "diversified happiness income" by intertwining business achievements with community service, sports foundations, and charitable causes.Pivoting Priorities for Family: Cold-turkeying extensive national speaking circuits to prioritize being present for family milestones and raising a child.Human Connection as Tomorrow's Edge: Reclaiming interpersonal relationships, active listening, and face-to-face communication as digital technology and AI expand.Grit as Passion and Perseverance: Maintaining a 50-year commitment to a single community to achieve over $1.25 billion in individual sales through market cycles.About our Guest:Philip Anthony Schembra is the Owner and Broker-in-Charge of Schembra Real Estate Group, specializing in luxury oceanfront and resort properties in Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove, and Leamington on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Since 1976, Phil has achieved over $1.25 billion in individual sales across 2,000 transactions, making him the #1 all-time listing and selling agent in Hilton Head Island history for a single community.A Glen Ridge, New Jersey native and LIU Post graduate, Phil was inducted into the Glen Ridge High School Athletic Hall of Fame for football and track. Beyond real estate, he co-created sales training programs such as THE TOTAL SALESPERSON® and co-founded major national philanthropic initiatives, including the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner and the Golf World | Palmetto Dunes Intercollegiate Golf Tournament. Phil resides on the ocean in Palmetto Dunes with his wife and business partner, Carol.

In this episode, Clint welcomes back Dr. Sherry Turkle, MIT professor and author of the new book “Artificial Intimacy,” as the first returning guest on The Conversation. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is changing not just what we do, but how we understand ourselves and relate to one another.Drawing on decades of research into the relationship between people and technology, Sherry explains why AI's ability to simulate empathy should not be confused with genuine human understanding. From a touching story about her granddaughter to the growing use of chatbots as friends, companions, and therapists, she challenges us to consider what we may be giving up when we turn to technology to meet our emotional needs.Clint and Sherry also discuss the importance of disagreement in healthy relationships, the impact of AI on children learning what it means to connect with others, and why we need to recognize the technology's extraordinary capabilities while being thoughtful about the roles we allow it to play in our lives.This is the first part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:Sherry's journey from studying psychoanalysis to exploring the psychology of our relationships with computersHow AI can generate convincing falsehoods and create narratives that make them seem believableThe difference between information, understanding, and lived human experienceWhy simulated empathy and artificial intimacy are not the same as genuine human connectionHow AI companionship may change our expectations of friendship and relationshipsThe importance of disagreement, listening, and finding common groundWhy Sherry believes we need to keep AI “in its lane”The implications of AI companions for children and older adultsWhat parents risk losing when they outsource moments of learning and discovery to chatbotsThe limitations and potential dangers of using AI as a substitute for human therapistsLinks:Dr. Turkle's website - https://www.sherryturkle.com/Dr. Turkle's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-turkle/Dr Turkle's book, “Artificial Intimacy” - https://amzn.to/4rp1Uvy

There was a time when your word was your bond. A handshake was a contract. If you said you'd be there, you were there.That time is gone. We ghost, we flake, we swipe. We treat the one finite resource we have, our time with each other, as disposable.In this solo episode, Michael Trainer issues a call to become warriors in an age of the artificial. That doesn't mean fighting. It means finding the signal in the noise, and finding the people who would go to war with you.Drawing on Sebastian Junger's work on the bonds forged in combat, Michael explores why coming home from war can be as devastating as war itself: the loss of knowing, without question, that someone has your back. He shares his own dark night of the soul after a betrayal, when he was drinking, numbing, and lost, and the four years he spent in a men's group that showed up every single week. They didn't show up because it was convenient. They showed up because they said they would.Michael also explores:Why we regulate or dysregulate each other's nervous systems, so choosing your people is a biological decision, not just a social one.The lost rite of initiation, and what happens to boys who are never shown how to become men.Why people reveal themselves through action, consistency, and accountability, never through what they say.The true meaning of the warrior: someone who gives himself to something bigger than himself.This is a clarion call to rigorous discernment about who is for you, and to becoming the kind of person someone else can count on."People reveal themselves through their actions. Who are the people that show up, not because it's convenient, but because they said they would?"Here's to the real ones. Michael Trainer has spent 30 years learning from Nobel laureates, neuroscientists, and wisdom keepers worldwide. He's the author of RESONANCE: The Art and Science of Human Connection, co-creator of Global Citizen and the Global Citizen Festival, and host of the RESONANCE podcast.Featured in Forbes, Inc, Good Morning America. Follow on YouTube

Is AI helping us feel more connected, or making us less willing to deal with the messiness of real human relationships? We're joined by Dr. Melissa Perry to unpack what happens when we turn to AI to process our dating lives, relationships, and emotions instead of turning to the people around us. We discuss why AI can feel so validating and easy to talk to (and what that means for humans that can't keep up with the speed and attention it gives us!), what we actually lose when we outsource too much of our emotional lives to technology, and how to embrace technology without losing what makes human connection so meaningful. Enjoy!NOTE: This is not a pro or anti-AI discussion but rather a nuanced look at what is happening to human connection with the rise of AI.To learn more about Melissa Perry read her column on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-epidemiologist_Take our Dating Archetypes quiz: https://howtobedateable.com/Read our book: How To Be Dateable: The Essential Guide To Finding Your Person and Falling in Love: https://howtobedateable.com/Try the Dateable AI Dating Coach: Get personalized advice trained on our years of podcast episodes, courses and frameworks: https://studio.com/dateableFollow us @dateablepodcast, @juliekrafchick and @nonplatonic. Check out our website for more content. Also listen to our other podcasts The Psychology of Relationships and Exit Interview available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.WE WROTE A BOOK! HOW TO BE DATEABLE (Simon & Schuster) is available now: https://howtobedateable.com/ Have you ever had a time in your life where you genuinely didn't want a serious relationship but still wanted connection and chemistry? Download the Fling app in the app store or visit fling.me today. Want to remove distractions from your dates? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/DATEABLEOur Sponsors:* Losers Part One and Two by Harley LaRoux: Go get the book wherever books are sold in print or ebook or through https://www.kensingtonbooks.com* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com/dateableAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What is it costing your firm every time a client walks away feeling like a case number instead of a person who was truly heard? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with human connection expert Riaz Meghji to unpack why so many law firms lose clients they never realized were drifting away. Riaz shares the five habits behind his bestselling book, Every Conversation Counts, and why disconnection was spreading through workplaces and relationships long before the pandemic gave it a name. This is a conversation about what it actually takes to make clients, teammates, and family feel truly seen. Here's what you'll learn: Why certainty in high-stakes conversations pushes clients and teammates away instead of building trust How to tell the difference between sharing from the wound and sharing from the scar as a leader What it takes to make your team and clients feel genuinely seen, not just heard Somebody in your life is waiting for you to ask a better question. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:25) The loneliness pandemic before COVID (00:05:37) From awkward teen to TV host (00:14:06) Ask for stories, not answers (00:18:56) Habit 1: Listening without distraction (00:22:04) Accepting bids for connection (00:26:20) Habit 2: Making small talk bigger (00:33:21) Habit 3: The perfect persona (00:38:13) Habit 4: Being assertively empathetic (00:44:49) Habit 5: Making people feel famous ---- Links & Resources: Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection That Build Extraordinary Relationships by Riaz Meghji The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary Raising Conscious Sons by Dr. Shefali Tsabary John Gottman Chris Voss Hugh Jackman Arsenio Hall ---- Learn what sustainable growth can look like for your firm at crispcoach.com. ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 493. Why Relationships Matter More Than Anything Else with Eddy Arriola 275. Kim Scott - The Power of Radical Respect 172. Marcus Lemonis - The Three Keys to Business: People, Process, and Product

What if the best business opportunities aren't found online, but across a dinner table?In this episode, I sit down with Emily Shimwell, founder of Dine Wilder and The Room, to talk about the power of creating spaces where people feel genuinely connected. From starting her first business with a 10-week-old baby to building a community around long-table dinners, events, and women in business, Emily shares how following her intuition and creating meaningful human connection has shaped her entrepreneurial journey.We dive into why the best networking doesn't feel transactional, how to create events where different personality types can actually feel comfortable, and why sometimes the biggest business opportunities come from simply putting yourself in the room. Emily also shares her approach to trusting your intuition, taking action before you have the full plan, and building a community that extends far beyond a single conversation.Attend Feast on October 25, 2026 in Squamish: https://dinewilderevents.com/feast-2026 Connect with Emily:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_emily_wilder_/Website: https://dinewilderevents.com/Dine Wilder: https://www.instagram.com/dine.wilder/Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklistWebsite: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction⁠Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.comJoin the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

How can colleges and universities design courses that foster constructive debate on controversial topics? What strategies effectively build psychological safety while encouraging students to engage with opposing viewpoints? How does practicing civil discourse prepare students and build skills to navigate complex societal and technological changes? We talk through these with Mario Rewers and Paul Stob, Professors at Vanderbilt University who teach a course called "Free Speech, Dangerous Ideas." Together, they outline actionable approaches for utilizing tech-free spaces, small-group deliberation, and active modeling to cultivate intellectual humility and durable skills for student success. Episode Highlights include: [04:45] Designing a "Big Tent" Course for Controversial Dialogue - Vanderbilt professors structure their 125-student course around small table groupings and guest speakers to debate real-world issues. [07:34] Fostering Psychological Safety in a Tech-Free Environment - Implementing a strict no-tech policy allows students to voice provocative ideas without the fear of going viral online. [17:04] Building Durable Life Skills Through Civil Discourse - Open deliberation equips students with intellectual humility and essential collaboration skills for navigating professional and civic spaces. [20:27] Debunking Free Speech Myths on Campus - The discussion highlights how college students are eager to grapple with challenging issues across political lines rather than avoiding them. [31:53] Human Connection and Liberal Education in the Age of AI - Face-to-face interaction and open-ended debate teach students to navigate ambiguity and think critically in an automated world.

Ever walk away from a conversation feeling more drained than when you arrived? You've encountered an energetic black hole.Three ways to protect your energy:1️⃣ Notice your body. Your nervous system is a tuning fork. When someone feels off, trust it.2️⃣ Stop feeding the dynamic. You don't have to defend, escalate, or people-please.3️⃣ Leave early. "Great seeing you, I need to get on with my day." No explanation needed. Shorter is better.Your energy is your own. Keep it clean, keep it protected, and give yourself permission to move on.

DescriptionA week ago, Michael Trainer was on top of the world. He'd just met six or seven wonderful people at a gathering in Uluwatu, Bali, and made plans to see each of them. By the end of the week, every one of those plans had fallen through.The reasons were ordinary: work, a sick pet, something came up. What stayed with him was that almost nobody tried to repair it.In this solo episode, Michael looks at a quiet crisis in modern relationships. A generation ago, your word was as good as a contract. Now, in a culture of dating apps, algorithms, and swipe-right, swipe-left disposability, we have started putting how we feel ahead of what we promised. The cost is higher than we think. Time is the one resource none of us gets back, and every careless cancellation tells the other person their time doesn't matter.Michael offers a simple way to cancel without closing the door: acknowledge their time, name what came up, and offer a real way to reconnect. He also makes the case for radical directness. That means a clear yes, a clear no, or an honest maybe, and saying early and plainly what you're looking for and what you're available for.Then the episode goes deeper, into why this matters so much. Michael draws on the reunion scene in Antwone Fisher, a young soldier alone at his graduation until a senior officer steps forward to hold him, and a Māori family welcoming their son home with a haka at the airport. Each is an image of what every one of us is still wired for. We are tribal beings, and for most of human history being cast out of the tribe meant death. Underneath our schedules and our excuses, we all want to be seen, to belong, and to be honored for who we are.This is a call to be someone who shows up, and to go find the people who will show up for you."Go out and find that table where you are greeted as family coming home." Michael Trainer has spent 30 years learning from Nobel laureates, neuroscientists, and wisdom keepers worldwide. He's the author of RESONANCE: The Art and Science of Human Connection, co-creator of Global Citizen and the Global Citizen Festival, and host of the RESONANCE podcast.Featured in Forbes, Inc, Good Morning America. Follow on YouTube

This week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen are joined by licensed clinical social worker and addiction expert Mike Blanche from Ethos Treatment to talk about how technology, social media, and AI are quickly changing our mental health and relationships. Mike shares what he's seeing after more than 20 years in the field, including why turning to AI for emotional support or relationship advice can leave us missing the vulnerability, nuance, and connection that come from interacting with real people.They explore how to recognize when technology use becomes an addiction, the impact of social media on our expectations of ourselves, and why constant digital distractions can make us miss the small moments that build relationships. Mike also shares how parents can teach kids healthier technology habits, why shame makes these conversations harder, and what AI can, and can't, offer when it comes to therapy and human connection.Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action!Mentioned in today's episode:The Anxious GenerationThe Social Dilemma documentaryYou can find today's guest by visiting ethostreatment.com.⁠Get Matched With One of Our Therapists⁠ at The Therapy Group!⁠ShrinkChicks on Instagram⁠Our ⁠Know Yourself Grow Yourself Journal⁠!!Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here! ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCrxuhDqoL4ML3UE8b2J2BBg⁠A special thank you to this week's sponsors for supporting ShrinkChicks! We have these exclusive offers for our listeners:Skims: Shop SKIMS Cotton, and all of our favorite pieces, at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that followsZenni: Go to Zenni.com/podcast and use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your first order, plus free shipping on all US orders over $65Freestyle: Get 30% off your first 3 months of a Freestyle diaper subscription at freestyle.world/shrinkchicks with code shrinkchicksCozy Earth: Head to CozyEarth.com and use our code SHRINKCHICKS for an exclusive 20% off home and sleepwear Quince: Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quince.com/shrinkchicks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Our imperfections reveal that we're human.”As AI makes it easier to polish our words, how do we prove that our communication is actually our own? For Matt Abrahams, the answer isn't to avoid AI, but to protect the distinctly human thinking, experiences, and imperfections that build trust. In a special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lorraine K. Lee takes over the host chair to interview Matt about the updated edition of Think Faster, Talk Smarter. They discuss Matt's TRUST framework for demonstrating authenticity, the risk of outsourcing empathy to AI, and ways to use AI as a practice partner rather than a replacement for your own thinking.Takeaways:Your humanness is an advantage in the age of AI. Personal experiences, real-time thinking, and even small imperfections can signal authenticity and help others trust that your ideas and words are genuinely your own.Use AI to strengthen your communication skills, not replace them. Treating AI as a thought partner, coach, or practice tool can help you prepare and build empathy while keeping your own judgment and reflection at the center.Activity:Keep it human. Take one message you've used AI to help draft and add something only you could provide: a personal example, a specific observation, or your own perspective. Use AI to polish the message without polishing away your voice.Episode Reference Links:Lorraine K. LeeLorraine's Book: Unforgettable PresenceMatt's Book: Think Faster Talk SmarterEp.202 Own Your Brand: How to Communicate with Presence and Impact Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:15) - The AI Authenticity Crisis (03:13) - The TRUST Framework (08:25) - AI and the Empathy Paradox (10:40) - Using AI to Build Empathy (12:10) - AI as a Communication Coach (15:01) - Managing Conflict with CLEAR (18:10) - Meet AI Matt (21:01) - The Final Three Questions (25:07) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this enlightening episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we are joined by Dr. Randall Alifano, author of *Listening in the Raw*. Growing up in a boisterous Italian family, Dr. Randall's journey into the art of listening began with a profound realization: genuine listening is rare and essential for meaningful connection. He shares insights from his book, emphasizing that listening goes beyond simply hearing words; it involves understanding the deeper emotions and struggles beneath the surface.Dr. Randall recounts his childhood experiences that shaped his passion for empathy and presence, revealing how he transformed his bedroom into a sanctuary for friends seeking solace and understanding. Throughout our conversation, he discusses the barriers that prevent us from truly listening, including anxiety and emotional filters, and offers practical advice on how to cultivate a listening practice that fosters intimacy and connection.Listeners will discover the importance of sitting in the unknown and the joy that comes from being curious about others' experiences. Dr. Randall also reflects on a poignant moment with his mother that deepened his understanding of empathy, highlighting the universal longing to be heard and understood.What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The significance of listening deeply to foster genuine relationships- How to quiet your inner chatter to enhance listening skills- Strategies for overcoming the urge to fix others' problems- The role of curiosity in developing empathy and connection- Dr. Randall's insights on emotional filters and their impact on communicationFor more information on Dr. Randall Alifano and his work, visit randallalifanophd.com and explore his book, *Listening in the Raw*, available now.Support the show

Today's conversation may sound like a roommate dilemma on the surface, but underneath, it's about something much deeper: voice, power, and learning to trust ourselves in relationship.In this episode, I speak with Leah, who's navigating a shared living situation where something no longer feels right. What begins as a question about leases and renovations quickly becomes an exploration of what it means to speak up, set boundaries, and stay self-connected even when it feels uncomfortable.Together, we unpack the fear of being seen as “too much,” the tendency to soften or second-guess ourselves, and the nervous system responses that can make clear communication feel rigid or confrontational.Read more on the blog.Want more direct access to me? I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Join regular live calls where students in the school bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube

Every once in a while, you meet someone whose way of seeing the world makes you stop and look at your own world a little differently.That was my experience with photographer Cade Martin.I am honestly in awe of the way Cade sees people, places and the unexpected moments that most of us might walk right past. His photographs don't feel posed or manufactured. They feel alive. They pull you into a moment and make you wonder what happened just before and what happened after.Cade has spent his life chasing characters and following his curiosity wherever it leads. His work has taken him from India to Berlin, Mexico and Thailand, into movie sets and unfamiliar communities, and into the lives of people whose stories stay with him long after the camera is put away.In this conversation, we go far beyond photography.We talk about his childhood surrounded by artists, writers and freethinkers and how that shaped the way he learned to look at people. We explore his fascination with faces, his “aversion to labels,” and what happens when curiosity becomes a way of moving through the world.Then there is Thailand and the extraordinary story of the Wheelchair Mafia, where rescued dogs, resilience, movement and unexpected human connection came together in a journey that became something much bigger than a photography project.There is also a quieter, deeply moving side to Cade's work. We talk about veterans, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, and his changing understanding of heroism, memory and the stories people carry silently inside them.What stayed with me most is Cade's belief in being fully present for whatever, or whoever, is in front of you.Maybe that is why his photographs feel so different. He isn't simply taking pictures. He's paying attention. And in a world where we are constantly scrolling past one another, there is something powerful about someone who still takes the time to truly see.This is a conversation about photography, travel and adventure. But at its heart, it's about curiosity and humanity. And the extraordinary stories that appear when we stop trying to control the frame.Tune in for this special episode!*photo by Cade MartinThanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler. 

AI is transforming healthcare but where should the line be drawn between technological capability and human connection?In this episode of Olympic Minds, two-time Olympian, national championship-winning basketball coach, bestselling author, and executive leadership expert Sherry Winn sits down with Alex Bendersky, a physical therapist, health-tech expert, and Head of Clinical Innovation. Together, they explore what AI can contribute to healthcare and what it should never replace.Their conversation examines empathy, diagnostic uncertainty, personal agency, resilience under pressure, mindset, movement, and the future of healthcare technology. The deeper leadership lesson is equally relevant to executives: technology can provide information and efficiency, but humans remain responsible for judgment, connection, and meaning.Key takeaways:• AI can expand human capability but it should not replace human connection, empathy, or the therapeutic relationship.• Personal agency matters under pressure. Whether you're navigating a health challenge or leading an organization, how you respond to uncertainty can shape your experience and your next decision.• Identity matters. High performers can become overly attached to a role, title, ability, or outcome. Developing greater self-awareness and leadership clarity creates room to adapt when circumstances change.Tune in to Olympic Minds, subscribe, and share this conversation with a leader who needs to hear it.#ExecutiveLeadership #Leadership #CLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #HealthcareInnovation #EmotionalIntelligence #Resilience #MentalToughness #HighPerformanceTeams #LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido, Adam Hoots sits down with Daniel Allison — better known as "The Average Dude" — for a wide-ranging conversation about courage, personal development, energy, trust, human connection, and what happens when we stop waiting for the world to give us permission to become who we are meant to be. Daniel traces his personal development journey back to November 11, 2014, a day when his marriage and personal life were under heavy strain and he made a decision to start changing himself. What followed was not a polished reinvention, but years of intentionally walking into uncomfortable rooms, speaking, interviewing people, joining communities, journaling, asking deeper questions, and learning to take responsibility for the person staring back at him in the mirror. The "Average Dude" name came from a random comment that could have been taken as an insult. Instead, Daniel turned it into permission. He stopped waiting for credentials, pedigree, or outside approval and started putting his ideas into the world. His message is not that he is ordinary — it is that ordinary people can take uncommon action when they stop being trapped by other people's thoughts. The conversation dives deep into:   Why it takes courage to connect — and sometimes the first win is simply getting out of the car How F3's Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith gave Daniel a community of men who "leave no man behind" Why the truth of self requires courage, ownership, and personal responsibility How interviewing nearly a thousand people changed Daniel's perspective on judgment and human connection Why trust shortens the distance between people in sales, leadership, and life How First Sip became a daily discipline for getting your mind right at 7:55 every weekday morning Why energy management may be more important than time management How discomfort, embarrassment, and failure become fuel for growth Why artificial intelligence can help with self-reflection — but cannot replace real human connection What The Energy Bus taught Daniel about attitude, positivity, and the energy we bring into a room Why The Power of Now and "no conclusions" help Daniel stay present and open Adam and Daniel also connect these ideas back to construction. Job sites are full of different personalities, pressures, perspectives, and unseen stories. The leaders who create the most value are often the ones who can get curious before they judge, find the human behind the role, and build enough trust for people to tell the truth. Daniel closes with a simple challenge: when life is in an ebb, get control of your attitude, get around positive people, and pay attention to what they are seeing. Your energy changes what you notice — and what you notice shapes what you do next. This episode is about becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, finding your frequency, and having the courage to connect. Or, as Daniel says: Let's roll. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Courage Creates Connection — New relationships, communities, and opportunities often begin with one uncomfortable action: getting out of the car and walking through the door. Stop Waiting for Permission — "The Average Dude" became a way for Daniel to stop worrying about pedigree and outside judgment and start acting on what was already in his heart. The Truth of Self Requires Responsibility — Once we become aware of our own patterns, wounds, behaviors, and choices, awareness creates a responsibility to do something with what we now know. Perspective Is Bigger Than First Impressions — Daniel intentionally talks with people who think differently because curiosity can break down snap judgments and expand our understanding of the world. Trust Accelerates Everything — In sales, leadership, and relationships, real progress happens faster when people feel safe enough to lower their guard and talk about the actual situation. Energy > Time — Time without energy does not produce much. Managing your state, environment, relationships, and mindset can determine how effectively you use the time you have. Discomfort Is Part of the Workout — Awkward moments, failed shows, rejection, and embarrassment are not automatically bad outcomes. They can be repetitions that build courage and capability. Human Connection Becomes More Valuable as Technology Grows — Artificial intelligence can accelerate thinking and reflection, but humans still bring stories, meaning, trust, empathy, and energy to the system. Be Here Now — Let go of yesterday, stop trying to control tomorrow, and resist forming conclusions so early that you stop receiving new information. Excavate Your Own Shame — Strong people do the work to understand and own their own shame instead of throwing the spoils of that excavation onto everyone around them. RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FIRST SIP Get Your Mind Right - https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstsiplive/home/ F3 Nation — Fitness, Fellowship & Faith - https://f3nation.com/ The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon - https://theenergybus.com/  The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - https://shop.eckharttolle.com/products/the-power-of-now Toastmasters International - https://www.toastmasters.org/ The Lean Builder – www.theleanbuilder.com EPISODE QUOTES (paraphrased): "It takes courage to connect." "If I'm not walking through new doors, new people are not going to come find me." "Leave the judgment to the world and focus on what you can control." "Once you understand the truth of yourself, you have a responsibility to change." "Energy management is more important than time management." "Find your frequency." "Real human connection is the energy that makes the whole system go." "Perfectionism holds us back. Sometimes the days that feel messy are the days we grow the most." "No conclusions. Be here now. Stay open to new information." "The strongest people excavate their own shame without throwing the spoils on others." "Let go — and let's roll." GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: Daniel Allison "The Average Dude" — Sales and business development professional, connector, interviewer, personal-development student, and co-host of FIRST SIP. Daniel's work centers on energy, human connection, courage, trust, and helping people "get their mind right." - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-allison-a7103828/ Adam Hoots — Host/Producer of Hoots on the Ground with No Bullshido and Lean Builder focused on field leadership, human connection, and bringing respect back to the people doing the work. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhoots/ ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST: The Lean Builder's absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that matter most to those in the field. With stories from the trenches, lessons learned, and plenty of laughter, this podcast is for the men and women doing the hands-on work of construction.

A week ago, Michael Trainer was on top of the world. He'd just met six or seven wonderful people at a gathering in Uluwatu, Bali, and made plans to see each of them. By the end of the week, every one of those plans had fallen through.The reasons were ordinary: work, a sick pet, something came up. What stayed with him was that almost nobody tried to repair it.In this solo episode, Michael looks at a quiet crisis in modern relationships. A generation ago, your word was as good as a contract. Now, in a culture of dating apps, algorithms, and swipe-right, swipe-left disposability, we have started putting how we feel ahead of what we promised. The cost is higher than we think. Time is the one resource none of us gets back, and every careless cancellation tells the other person their time doesn't matter.Michael offers a simple way to cancel without closing the door: acknowledge their time, name what came up, and offer a real way to reconnect. He also makes the case for radical directness. That means a clear yes, a clear no, or an honest maybe, and saying early and plainly what you're looking for and what you're available for.Then the episode goes deeper, into why this matters so much. Michael draws on the reunion scene in Antwone Fisher, a young soldier alone at his graduation until a senior officer steps forward to hold him, and a Māori family welcoming their son home with a haka at the airport. Each is an image of what every one of us is still wired for. We are tribal beings, and for most of human history being cast out of the tribe meant death. Underneath our schedules and our excuses, we all want to be seen, to belong, and to be honored for who we are.This is a call to be someone who shows up, and to go find the people who will show up for you."Go out and find that table where you are greeted as family coming home." Michael Trainer has spent 30 years learning from Nobel laureates, neuroscientists, and wisdom keepers worldwide. He's the author of RESONANCE: The Art and Science of Human Connection, co-creator of Global Citizen and the Global Citizen Festival, and host of the RESONANCE podcast.Featured in Forbes, Inc, Good Morning America. Follow on YouTube

It's the question dominating our modern world: How should we interact with Artificial Intelligence? In this thought-provoking message, David Jansson brings the ancient wisdom of First Corinthians into our high-tech reality. Acknowledging the rapid rise of AI and the real anxieties surrounding it, David challenges us to examine our relationship with technology through three vital, biblical lenses: formation, fellowship, and fear. While AI can efficiently answer questions and draft emails, it cannot replicate the messy, beautiful, and essential human experiences of deep connection, communal worship, and character formation. This message is a timely call to resist the easy, isolated path of technological reliance and instead intentionally choose the slower, richer way of human relationship and God-centered wisdom.Main PointsFormation over Convenience: How over-relying on AI for tasks can subtly deform our character, eroding our patience and capacity for critical thought.Fellowship over Efficiency: The biblical truth that humanity was created for deep, interpersonal connection—a reality no algorithm or chatbot can ever replace or fulfill.Faith over Fear: Why Christians do not need to operate in a posture of fear regarding the future of AI, resting instead in the sovereign victory and eternal wisdom of God.The Practical Call: A challenge to intentionally engage in uniquely human activities—like sharing a meal, creating original art, or asking a friend for advice—to resist technological isolation.Biblical References1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16Genesis 2:18Psalm 115:8 Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Michael imagined his 50th birthday differently: a partner, a family, and a big gathering of friends. Instead, he found himself in Bali, facing the gap between the life he expected and the life in front of him.In this solo episode, Michael shares how an unexpected birthday celebration and a two-week motorcycle trip through northern Bali helped him meet that moment with openness. From water blessings and mountain coffee to swimming with dolphins and connecting with strangers, the journey became a reminder that meaning can emerge when we loosen our grip on how life is supposed to unfold.He reflects on the people who do and don't show up, the stories we tell ourselves about our worth, and what it means to become a source of love and energy in our own lives. If you're standing at a threshold of your own, this is an invitation to honor what you hoped for while staying open to what's possible now. Michael Trainer has spent 30 years learning from Nobel laureates, neuroscientists, and wisdom keepers worldwide. He's the author of RESONANCE: The Art and Science of Human Connection, co-creator of Global Citizen and the Global Citizen Festival, and host of the RESONANCE podcast.Featured in Forbes, Inc, Good Morning America. Follow on YouTube

What happens when the traits you spent your life fighting become the very things that allow you to serve others? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Jennifer Hill, a self-described former "asshole" who has transformed decades of misunderstanding, broken relationships, self-hatred, and personal development into what she now calls her superpower: human connection. Jen shares the brutally honest moment when someone finally told her that her behavior was hurting people—and how that confrontation started a decades-long journey of learning to understand herself, embrace her autistic brain, and turn the way she naturally sees and connects people into a gift. Then the story takes an unexpected and heartbreaking turn. Just as Jen and her business partner Julian were preparing to sell their technology company, Julian suddenly passed away, the acquisition fell apart, and Jen found herself on her knees in Lisbon asking God and the universe what she was supposed to do next. Her answer became the Jennifer Hill Tribe—a community designed around belonging, safety, generosity, and meaningful human connection. We talk about how the tribe grew from a simple request for 10 members into a thriving community, why so many successful entrepreneurs still feel like they can't fully be themselves in other rooms, and how Jen uses her unique ability to connect people to create relationships that become friendships, business partnerships, and sometimes even romance. Most importantly, we explore why the story that nearly breaks you may eventually become the exact story that helps someone else survive their hardest day. Highlights (01:29) – The brutally honest feedback that changed Jen's life Jen shares the moment someone looked her directly in the eyes and told her she was powerful—but was also destroying people around her. That confrontation became the catalyst for decades of personal transformation. (02:34) – From self-hatred and existential crisis to a search for meaning Jen opens up about the darkest period of her life, her early search for purpose, and the experiences that eventually led her toward personal development and self-understanding. (06:04) – Why knowing your problem isn't the same as knowing how to change it Jen explains why recognizing that she was hurting people wasn't enough—and how years of reading, meditation, coaching, and eventually understanding her autism helped her begin turning what she once saw as a weakness into a superpower. (07:22) – The business email Jen wishes she could take back Jen tells the story of sending an all-caps email to her team asking if they were "a bunch of fucking morons"—and how a business coach helped her recognize that even her communication style needed to change. (08:20) – Discovering autism as a superpower Jen shares how her friend and business partner Julian helped her see the strengths behind the way her brain works, including pattern recognition and the ability to make connections others might miss. (09:00) – How Jen accidentally became a human-connection machine Jen explains how she naturally channels introductions and connections for people without even keeping track of how many referrals she makes—and how that gift eventually became the foundation of her community. (09:36) – The business idea that was supposed to change humanity Jen reveals how she and Julian began building Optimatch, a technology designed to turn her intuition for matching people into a scalable system. (10:00) – The phone call that shattered everything Just one day after Jen and Julian celebrated receiving the exact acquisition offer they wanted, Jen woke up to the news that Julian had suddenly died. (10:42) – What do you do when the future you planned disappears overnight? With the acquisition gone, clients pushed away, hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, and her business partner gone, Jen found herself on her knees asking God and the universe to show her what to do next. (11:06) – The unusual test Jen gave the universe Jen asked for 10 paid members of her community within a month as a sign that the Jennifer Hill Tribe was her next assignment. Instead, 30 people joined—and another 30 joined the following month. (14:45) – The real mission behind the Jennifer Hill Tribe Jen explains her bigger vision: helping every human being develop deep, meaningful relationships with themselves, other people, and their purpose. (15:14) – Who actually belongs in Jen's tribe? We explore the entrepreneurs, doctors, investors, coaches, authors, podcasters, and other successful people who make up the community—and the common values that bring them together. (16:58) – Why successful people can still feel like they don't belong Jen reveals the missing ingredient she sees in many masterminds and communities: the ability to show up completely authentically without feeling like you have to hide part of yourself. (19:06) – How Jen creates a community that feels like a "warm hug" Jen breaks down what happens when someone joins the tribe and how she intentionally creates an environment where people feel secure, cared for, welcomed, and seen. (19:58) – The unusual systems Jen uses to create powerful connections Jen explains how she combines different systems—including numerology, motivational psychology, and Cards of Your Destiny—to understand how people may naturally connect and where friction might exist. (21:49) – Yes, Jen is also a professional matchmaker Things take a hilarious turn when Jen reveals she keeps a "soulmate list" and sometimes introduces people for fun—including putting Kyle on the list in real time. (25:55) – The "fairy godmother of human connection" Jen explains the role she has embraced and why creating meaningful connections between people has become one of the greatest joys of her life. (27:26) – The moment Jen realized the tribe had truly become what she wanted Jen describes the twice-monthly tribe social hours that consistently remind her why she created this community in the first place: love, appreciation, connection, and people feeling genuinely seen. (29:34) – Why the tribe secretly became the "Love Club" Jen shares the deeply personal story behind the community's internal name and how a difficult experience involving her sister ultimately gave the tribe a name that captured its true purpose. (31:52) – I tell Jen's story back to her I take everything we've uncovered and turn it into the story of someone who spent years feeling like she didn't fit in, finally discovered her gifts, built a company, found a powerful business partner, and then had her world shattered by his sudden death. (35:00) – "Let me find my tribe" I share the moment when Jen's loss became the beginning of a new mission: creating a place where people could feel safe, seen, supported, and connected. (36:41) – How one community member became the proof that Jen had created what she needed Jen's vision comes full circle when a member reaches out to her during a personal crisis—and Jen realizes she can be there for someone else in exactly the way she once needed someone to be there for her. (38:54) – The story that could save someone else Jen closes with a powerful reminder: the story that broke you, embarrassed you, or made you feel like you couldn't keep going may eventually become the story that helps someone else survive their hardest day.

Jennifer Breheny Wallace joins me to talk about her book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.We talk about her father and the way he made people feel seen, what she has learned from raising three children, why achievement alone isn't enough, and what happens when the roles that once gave us meaning begin to disappear.We also talk about technology and AI and a question that is becoming harder to avoid: What happens to us when human beings begin to feel replaceable?This is really a conversation about something much simpler. We need each other. We need to know that we matter to other people, and that they matter to us._____LINKSMattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purposehttps://www.jenniferbwallace.com/_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said. Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth. Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. The Gospel of Zip will be released in print and on Amazon Kindle, and as a full video on YouTube and Substack that you can watch or listen to for free.Support the show_____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of The Gospel of Zip.Learn more at https://www.thegospelofzip.com/Follow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.tiktok.com/@frank_schaefferhttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTubeIn Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer Podcast

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to lead with heart?In a world where burnout, constant change, and workplace challenges have become the norm, today's leaders are being called to do more than manage people—they're being challenged to create cultures where trust, belonging, and resilience can flourish.In this episode of The Cultural Curriculum Chat™ Podcast, host Jebeh Edmunds welcomes Hanna D. Bauer, Founder and CEO of HEARTnomics™, a leadership and organizational transformation firm dedicated to helping organizations eliminate the hidden costs of burnout, misalignment, and disengagement.Together, they explore what it takes to build thriving workplace cultures, why trust is the foundation of effective leadership, and how leading with empathy and intentionality can transform teams, organizations, and communities.Whether you're an educator, nonprofit leader, business owner, manager, or someone passionate about creating healthier workplace cultures, this conversation offers practical insights and meaningful inspiration for leading with purpose.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why trust is the cornerstone of every successful organizationHow burnout impacts workplace culture—and what leaders can do about itThe importance of belonging, alignment, and psychological safetyPractical strategies for leading through change with empathy and resilienceWhy human-centered leadership drives lasting organizational successLeadership isn't just about achieving results—it's about cultivating relationships that empower people to do their best work.

In this episode sexologist Kaamna Bhojwani and Chair of the CIIS Human Sexuality department Michelle Marzullo explore how we can use AI in ways that expand human flourishing—in our relationships, in our learning, and in our work. * As AI becomes embedded in both our inner lives and our institutional structures, the personal and the systemic are increasingly mirroring one another. Kaamna and Michelle invite you to ponder how we might engage AI not as a substitute for human connection, but as a tool for deepening it—and for reimagining AI as a mirror to the kind of humanness we want. In a world that seems more disconnected and disoriented, their dialogue considers the pathways to creating and consuming institutional and individual technology that is pro-social, proactive, and pro-human. * This episode was recorded during an in-person and live streamed event at California Institute of Integral Studies on May 12th 2026. You can also watch it on the CIIS Public Programs YouTube channel. To find out more about CIIS and public programs like this one, visit our website ciis.edu and connect with us on Instagram @ciispubprograms. * Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links below. * We hope that each episode of our podcast provides opportunities for growth, and that our listeners will use them as a starting point for further introspection. Many of the topics discussed on our podcast have the potential to bring up feelings and emotional responses. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care and support, here are some resources to find immediate help and future healing: * -Visit 988lifeline.org or text, call, or chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to be connected immediately with a trained counselor. Please note that 988 staff are required to take all action necessary to secure the safety of a caller and initiate emergency response with or without the caller's consent if they are unwilling or unable to take action on their own behalf. * -Visit thrivelifeline.org or text “THRIVE” to begin a conversation with a THRIVE Lifeline crisis responder 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209. This confidential text line is available for individuals 18+ and is staffed by people in STEMM with marginalized identities. * -Visit translifeline.org or call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S. or (877) 330-6366 in Canada to learn more and contact Trans Lifeline, who provides trans peer support divested from police. * -Visit ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics to learn more and schedule counseling sessions at one of our centers. * -Find information about additional global helplines at befrienders.org. * LINKS * Podcast Transcripts: https://www.ciis.edu/podcast * California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Website: https://www.ciis.edu/ * CIIS Public Programs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ciispublicprograms * CIIS Public Programs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciispubprograms/ * Mental Health Care and Support Resources: https://988lifeline.org/ https://thrivelifeline.org/ https://translifeline.org/ https://www.ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics https://befrienders.org/

In episode 317 of Beyond The Story, Sebastian Rusk interviews Rajeen Kapur, a technology executive, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and AI expert whose career has taken him from early sales roles in the computer industry to leadership positions at Dell, entrepreneurship, and the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. He shares the story of taking a major risk early in his career when he accepted a 100% commission sales position in South Dakota, packed up his car, and drove across the country to start a new chapter. Tune in to hear Rajeev Kapur's journey, learn how to approach AI with curiosity instead of fear, and discover how entrepreneurs and future leaders can use technology to augment, amplify, and anticipate what's next.TIMESTAMPS[00:01:32] Rajeev's early career and the beginning of his technology journey.[00:02:10] Taking a 100% commission job and betting on himself.[00:03:00] Working at Dell and gaining international leadership experience.[00:04:30] From entrepreneurship to becoming an AI leader.[00:05:00] Writing AI Made Simple and building an AI-focused platform.[00:07:32] Why betting on yourself still matters in the modern workplace.[00:08:16] Technology, remote work, and the importance of human connection.[00:09:29] The opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence.[00:12:44] The challenge of writing books in a rapidly changing AI world.[00:13:00] The future of human judgment, AI agents, and leadership.[00:14:38] How AI could transform podcasting and content creation.[00:15:07] Using AI for research, social clips, production, and interviews.[00:17:29] Rajeev's advice: Be curious, embrace AI, and use it as a tool.QUOTES"Be curious, not judgmental." – Rajeev Kapur"A job of a leader is to make other leaders." – Rajeev Kapur"Nothing beats being in an office, working close with people, developing those interpersonal skills, those communication skills." – Rajeev Kapur==========================Need help launching your podcast?Schedule a Free Podcast Strategy Call TODAY!PodcastLaunchLabNow.com==========================SOCIAL MEDIA LINKSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastlaunchlab/Facebook: Facebook.com/sruskLinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLabLauren Nicole PetersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurennicolepeters/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femininedevotion/?hl=en ==========================Take the quiz now! https://podcastquiz.online/==========================Need Money For Your Business? Our Friends at Closer Capital can help! Click here for more info: PodcastsSUCK.com/money==========================PAYING RENT? Earn airline miles when you use the Bilt Rewards MastercardAPPLY HERE: https://bilt.page/r/2H93-5474 

Ray White speaks to Siphumelele Zondi, tech expert about new research suggesting that people are speaking fewer words each year and what the decline in everyday conversation could mean for human connection. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On September 11, 2001, with U.S. airspace closed after the terrorist attacks, dozens of transatlantic flights were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. Thousands of passengers and crew from around the world landed in the small town, nearly doubling its population within minutes. Their story later inspired the Broadway musical Come From Away. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes her sister, Sharlene Bowen, who was working as a flight attendant aboard Delta Flight 15 from Frankfurt, Germany, to Atlanta when the plane was ordered to land in Gander. Sharlene recalls spending 30 hours grounded on the tarmac with little information, the moment she finally saw the attacks on television, and the note that led her to Constable Oswald “Oz” Fudge and a hug Sheryl sent from Atlanta. Over the next five days, she watched the people of Gander open their schools, homes, and churches to the “plane people," as the locals called them. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl introduces the story of Gander, Newfoundland, and her sister Sharlene Bowen’s experience on September 11, 2001 (3:00) Sharlene remembers when an ordinary flight from Frankfurt to Atlanta suddenly changed and the crew learned something had happened in New York (7:00) “All US airspace has been closed.” The announcement that silenced an entire cabin (11:45) How passengers and crew worked together during 30 hours aboard the grounded plane● (16:00) Why every passenger had to be cleared before leaving the aircraft and how Gander prepared for thousands of unexpected guests (20:45) Sharlene finally sees the attacks on a TV at Walmart more than a day after they happened (23:00) A note and a police hat lead Sharlene to Oz Fudge and a message from her sister (28:00) Teenagers give free rides, Walmart hands over its keys, and the hockey rink becomes the town’s refrigerator (36:45) Local teenagers create a special experience for stranded Make-A-Wish kids who missed their trip to Disney World (41:45) Returning to Gander, hearing the original air traffic control recording, and seeing Come From Away with the people who lived the story (46:30) How the hug from Oz Fudge delivered on Sheryl’s behalf became part of the production of Come From Away (51:45) A scholarship fund started on the flight home has now sent more than 300 Gander students to college (56:45) Delta employees wave American flags along the Atlanta taxiway, and Sharlene share a message about remembering the way people cared for one another after 9/11 Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- Sharlene Bowen spent 34 years as a Delta Air Lines flight attendant and was a crew member aboard Delta Flight 15 when it was diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. She later became a level one trauma nurse and charge nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where she recently celebrated 20 years of service. Related Episode From Crisis to Compassion: A 9/11 Retrospective with Constable Oswald Fudge Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Joe Pulizzi, founder of Content Marketing Institute, author, and creator of The Tilt newsletter. Joe shares his perspective on how individuals and organizations can stand out in an increasingly crowded and AI-driven content landscape. We explore the concept of finding your "tilt," why differentiation and consistency are critical to building trust, and how owning your audience can create long-term resilience. Joe also offers practical insights into collaboration, personal branding, and how tourism leaders can position themselves for what's next. What You Will Learn in This Episode: What Joe Pulizzi means by finding your "tilt" and why it's essential for differentiation  How to identify the intersection between your expertise and your audience's needs  Why consistency is one of the biggest predictors of success in content and audience building How AI is reshaping content creation and what opportunities still exist right now  Why owning your audience (especially through email) is more important than ever  How organizations can build trust by elevating individual voices instead of relying solely on corporate messaging  What role collaboration and strategic partnerships play in amplifying your reach and impact  Finding Your Tilt: The Intersection of Expertise and Need Joe explains that many organizations start their content strategy by focusing on what they want to say or sell, but overlook the importance of differentiation. The concept of "the tilt" challenges leaders to think more strategically about what they want to be known and needed for, and how that aligns with the specific needs of their audience.  He encourages a practical approach: identifying areas of expertise or passion and pairing them with clearly defined audience challenges. This intersection becomes the foundation for meaningful content and messaging. For tourism professionals, this could mean moving beyond broad destination messaging to focus on a distinct, ownable narrative that resonates deeply with a specific audience segment.  Trust, Consistency, and the Power of Owned Audiences A central theme in Joe's perspective is that success in content and audience-building comes down to two things: consistency and trust. Many organizations struggle not because of a lack of ideas, but because they stop showing up. Sustained, valuable content delivered over time is what builds meaningful relationships.  Joe also emphasizes the importance of owning your audience, particularly through email. While social platforms provide reach, they are ultimately rented space. Email, on the other hand, represents a direct, permission-based relationship that organizations control. In an environment where algorithms are constantly changing, this ownership becomes a critical long-term asset for destinations and brands alike.  Human Connection, Collaboration, and the Future of Content As AI continues to transform how content is created and distributed, Joe believes the differentiator will increasingly be human connection. Audiences are drawn to real people, authentic voices, and expertise they can trust. This shift is leading organizations to rethink how they communicate, moving toward a "trust portfolio" made up of multiple individual voices rather than a single corporate channel.  At the same time, Joe reinforces that differentiation does not mean isolation. Strategic collaboration—whether through partnerships, guest content, or shared platforms—can significantly expand reach and credibility. By aligning with others who serve the same audience, organizations can amplify their message while still maintaining a clear and distinct point of view.  Resources: The Tilt: https://www.thetilt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepulizzi/

Why AI makes human connection more important is about using AI to strengthen relationships, not replace them. In this episode, I'm joined by Skye Michiels, founder of With Heart Coaching and former national coach at Compass, to discuss how agents can use AI to remove the friction that keeps them from connecting with the people who matter most. We explore practical ways to identify who to contact, when to reach out, and what to say, while using AI to personalize conversations, create hyperlocal content, and build habits that lead to consistent relationship-based growth. If you're looking for practical ways to combine AI with authentic human connection, this conversation will help you spend less time wondering what to do next and more time building meaningful relationships that grow your business. Guest: Skye Michiels LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-michiels/  Website: https://www.withheartcoaching.com/  Host: Rajeev Sajja Website: http://www.realestateaiflash.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsajja Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rajeev_sajja LinkedIn: http://www.linkedIn.com/in/rsajja Join our Instagram Real Estate AI Insiders Channel - https://ig.me/j/AbZCJG37DqBPPtxi/ Get a 14-day Wispro Flow Pro Free Trial - https://ref.wisprflow.ai/rajeev-sajja  Subscribe to our Weekly AI Newsletter: https://realestateai-flash.beehiiv.com/subscribe   

What do you say when someone you care about isn't okay—and are you willing to truly listen to the answer? In this episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Lindsey Gray, a mental health professional and Suicide Prevention Training Manager with Wounded Warrior Project, for a powerful conversation about veteran mental health, suicide prevention, and human connection. Lindsey explores why veterans can face unique challenges around identity, purpose, belonging, and accessing care—and why the lessons from suicide prevention apply far beyond the veteran community. From the workplace to our closest relationships, they discuss how to recognize when someone may be struggling, ask difficult questions directly, avoid the instinct to immediately “fix” the problem, and create space for people to feel heard. The conversation also dives into what happens in the brain during a crisis, the importance of time and connection, and a simple but powerful reminder: you don't need to have the perfect words to make a difference. Resources & Support If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. Veterans can call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Vets4Warriors: 24/7 confidential peer support for veterans and the military community at 855-838-8255. Wounded Warrior Project: Veteran mental health, suicide prevention resources, and support. The Trevor Project: Crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services. About Truth Be Told Hosted by Dave Thompson, CEO of Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ), Truth Be Told explores the psychology and science behind better conversations—from investigative interviewing and difficult workplace discussions to leadership, human behavior, rapport, listening, and the moments when communication matters most. Wicklander-Zulawski provides science-based investigative interviewing and communication training to professionals across law enforcement, human resources, loss prevention, corporate investigations, and other industries.

AI is becoming part of everyday life, including education and homeschooling. In episode 223 of The Homeschool Show, Jeff and Luke Ertzberger join Melanie to discuss how homeschool families can approach AI with discernment, understand what the technology can and cannot do, and use it as a tool without allowing it to replace thinking, learning, or human connection.The conversation also considers how homeschooling prepared Luke for a rapidly changing technology field, how families can introduce AI through shared experiences, and why skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and human connection remain essential. The episode also includes information about upcoming NCHE sports events and field trips, including the NCHEAC annual cross-country, girls' volleyball, and boys' soccer events, a Western North Carolina Nature Center field trip, the Charlotte Ballet's Nutcracker performance, and NCHE's takeover of the Hive for a Charlotte Hornets game.Homeschool HappeningsNCHEAC annual cross-country meet NCHEAC annual girls' volleyball tournament NCHEAC annual boys' soccer tournament  Western North Carolina Nature Center field trip Charlotte Ballet Nutcracker Performance NCHE Takes Over the Hive 

What happens when you're going through something difficult—and the people you love don't quite show up in the way you need?In this episode, I speak with Leah, who's navigating the emotional and relational challenges of living with an ongoing, undiagnosed illness. As she moves through uncertainty, she finds herself repeatedly explaining her experience, longing to be understood, and feeling the painful gap between what she needs and what the others in her life are able to offer.Together, we explore what it means to ask for support, why people sometimes struggle to meet us in hard moments, and how to navigate the grief that comes when they can't.We move beyond communication strategies into something deeper: the tension between trying to change others and learning to accept them as they are.Read more on the blog.Want more direct access to me? I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Join regular live calls where students in the school bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube

Human Connection Is SO Necessary - FAAF 276In this 276th episode, I share my reflections from Sept 14-18, 2026. Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below:>>> bit.ly/E276FreshAirAtFivePlaylist

Send us Fan MailDr. Terrell Strayhorn — professor, dean, psychologist, minister, musician, and leading researcher on sense of belonging — talks about why human connection is not a soft concern but a measurable, neurologically grounded force that determines whether people thrive or fail in school, work, and life. Strayhorn explains the critical distinction between being alone and feeling lonely, traces belonging's impact from classrooms to COVID isolation wards, and discusses how mantras, music, singing, and shared breath can rapidly transform a group of strangers into a community. He also reflects on how his multiple identities — scholar, minister, musician, granddad — all ultimately serve the same mission: reminding every person they encounter that they matter, they are enough, and they belong here.www.terrellstrayhorn.comResources:https://auraverse.networkwww.claudiumurgan.comclaudiu@claudiumurgan.comhttps://spirituallyinspired.buzzsprout.comSubscribe for more videos! youtube.com/channel/UC6RlLkzUK_LdyRSV7DE6obQCome Home to Yourself Where healing becomes a holistic, embodied way of being via reflection, ritual and releaseListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Versandra Kennebrew spent 26 years in holistic health as a massage therapist, energy healer, and yoga teacher. Today she calls herself a human connection speaker, which means she builds experiences where people reconnect with each other and with themselves. Her point is that with technology in the middle of everything, we forget we are human beings first.She walks Ryan through her mornings, and gratitude is the first thing on her mind before she even gets out of bed. Breathing, intentions, an affirmation playlist she made herself, movement, and journaling on the days she needs it. She also spent over two years walking two miles to work and two miles home, not for a fitness plan, but because her legs work and using them is how she keeps them working. She is over 60 and went to yoga teacher training at 55.The back half gets personal. Five years as her father's primary caregiver, what that showed her about her own aging, and why she is leaving in February for 27 months in Senegal as a Peace Corps maternal health specialist. If you need a reminder that a plan put on hold is not a plan canceled, listen to this one.Take the ideas from this show and put them to work. Grateful Go-Getters is my daily accountability community...post what you're grateful for and your #1 task each morning. $5/month or $37/year. Free trial: https://www.skool.com/grateful-go-getters-8488/about

Human connection is becoming a competitive advantage for brands in a world shaped by screens, algorithms and always-on content. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Mary Sadlier explore how artists, entrepreneurs and event creators are redesigning familiar experiences around presence, connection and shared experience.The episode looks at four examples, beginning with the multigenerational energy of a recent Bruno Mars concert and the way Anderson .Paak moves between identities, from opening as DJ Pee .Wee to performing alongside Mars as part of Silk Sonic. From there, the conversation explores the rise of phone-free parties, Earlybirds Club rethinking nightlife for women and Lenny Pearce turning children's songs into Toddler Techno for parents and kids.What connects these stories is a shift toward experiences that feel more personal, intentional and connected to the way people want to spend their time. Each one takes something familiar and reshapes it around changing habits, expectations and lifestyles.For marketers, the lesson is clear: relevance comes from understanding what audiences already value and creating experiences that feel more useful, authentic and human.Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com.

Seth Cort speaks to Amy MacIver about his music career, his debut album Losing Touch, and the inspiration behind the album’s title track. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If you're worried that a ChatGPT type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Am I being authentic?”Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you're worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you're communicating in the first place. A Stanford professor of bioengineering and host of Stanford Engineering's podcast, The Future of Everything, Altman sees advancing technology not as a threat to human creativity and connection, but as a tool for raising our standards for communication. In this Rethinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Altman and Matt Abrahams discuss how effective communication can help us articulate ideas, strengthen connections, and navigate toward the future we want.Takeaways:AI works best as an amplifier, not a replacement. Using AI to test, refine, and adapt your ideas can make communication clearer while keeping your purpose, judgment, and authentic message at the center.Make complexity easier to understand, not less meaningful. Stories, analogies, and audience-aware language can translate difficult ideas without dumbing them down.Activity:Treat questions as gifts. The next time someone questions your idea, resist the urge to defend it. Instead, thank them and ask one follow-up question to better understand their perspective before responding.Episode Reference Links:Russ AltmanRuss's Podcast: The Future of EverythingEp.157 Communicating the Future: Defining Where We Want AI to Take Us Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:41) - AI and Communication (03:46) - AI as a Feedback Tool (04:48) - Structuring a Strong Proposal (06:48) - Simplifying Complex Ideas (09:12) - Preparing for Tough Topics (10:53) - Asking Better Questions (13:43) - Building Stronger Teams (16:21) - Productive Conflict (17:53) - Finding People's Passion (18:43) - The Final Three Questions (22:06) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fastJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Law firms spend enormous amounts of time and money winning new clients, then often overlook the relationships they have already built. In episode 636 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with EJ Stern and Katherine Wilson about how intentional client nurturing can lead to stronger relationships, repeat business, and more referrals.  EJ and Katherine explain why clients can quietly disappear when firms stop staying connected, why asking for feedback can strengthen rather than threaten a relationship, and how lawyers can move beyond being the person clients call with one legal problem to becoming a trusted advisor they call about everything else.  They also share practical ways to stay top of mind, from LinkedIn and personal check-ins to thoughtful gifts, memorable experiences, and small gestures that show you actually know the person behind the matter. As AI-generated communication becomes easier to produce, authentic human connection may become even more valuable.  If your firm is constantly focused on finding the next client, this conversation is a reminder that some of your best growth opportunities may already know, like, and trust you.  Listen to the previous episodes of our Client Retention, Referral Growth & Relationship Building.  #609: Improve Client Satisfaction Without More Work: Designing Smarter Legal Services, with Laura Hartnett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #608: Business Development for Lawyers: Building Real Relationships That Lead to Clients, with Megan Senese Apple | Spotify | LTN  #592: Client Care, Culture, and Character: A Framework for Great Leaders, with William O'Neal Apple | Spotify | LTN  #526: LinkedIn Mastery: Grow Your Law Firm NOW!, with Matthew Hunt Apple | Spotify | LTN  #424: How to Get Great Feedback from Clients, with Ashley Steckler Apple | Spotify | LTN  #347: How a Client Happiness Coordinator Increased My Firm Referrals & Reviews, with Ryan McKeen & Brittany Green Apple | Spotify | LTN  Links from the episode:  https://smith.ai/  8am Kaleidoscope: https://www.8am.com/events/kaleidoscope/  Fractional Law Firm CMO  Fractional Law Firm CMO on LinkedIn  EJ Stern on LinkedIn  Katherine Wilson on LinkedIn  Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.   Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.   Chapters / Timestamps   00:00 – Introduction  01:16 – Getting More From Conferences  03:02 – AI in Law Firms  06:39 – AI for Client Intake  08:15 – Intake Is a Sales Funnel  11:19 – Fixing Intake Leaks  13:22 – AI for Sales and Intake  14:53 – Meet EJ Stern & Katherine Wilson  15:36 – Why Client Retention Gets Overlooked  16:19 – Turning Clients Into Referrals  17:47 – Why Lawyers Avoid Feedback  21:01 – Why Client Experience Matters  21:54 – Becoming a Trusted Advisor  22:54 – How to Ask for Client Feedback  24:33 – Staying Top of Mind  25:27 – Building Client Loyalty  26:50 – Past Clients and Referral Sources  28:41 – Creative Client Gifts  32:22 – Human Connection in the Age of AI  34:50 – Invest in Existing Clients  35:21 – Building Long-Term Client Relationships  36:11 – Marketing Is Like the Gym  37:13 – LinkedIn and Staying Top of Mind  38:00 – Keep Repeating Your Message  38:21 – Closing Thoughts   

People are speaking 20% less than they did 20 years ago — and it may be changing how we think, connect, and raise our kids. Veronica Sommer joins Networking Rx to discuss identity formation, digital culture, faith, relationships, and why authentic human connection still matters more than ever. She's the author of Sacred Stewardship: Restoring Moral Clarity in the Digital Age and is on a mission to help us all to become a little more "old school" - especially our kids. Reach out to her and learn more at https://sacredstewardship.com/. For more insight on professional relationships, business networking, and generating referrals, contact Frank Agin at frankagin@amspirit.com. Through AmSpirit Business Connections, entrepreneurs and professionals grow their business through word of mouth and strong relationships—building reputation, strengthening marketing, and increasing sales.

Our smartphones offer extraordinary benefits, yet many of us sense they have become more than useful tools. Psychotherapist Shannon Algeo explores how attachment theory sheds new light on our relationship with technology and offers compassionate practices for reclaiming our attention, creativity, and human connection.Shannon Algeo is an American and Irish writer, psychotherapist, researcher, poet, and Yoga Nidra teacher based in California. Shannon is on the faculty of the Esalen Institute and the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, where he leads digital liberation workshops and offline retreats that help participants reclaim their attention, creativity, and relationships in an increasingly digitized world. Named one of Wanderlust's "35 Under 35 in Wellness to Watch," Shannon has spoken at the United Nations and the Museum of Contemporary Art. His work integrates attachment theory, neuroscience, mindfulness, poetry, and depth psychology to help people cultivate greater presence, resilience, and authentic human connection in the digital age. He is the author of:Trust Your Truth: Heal Self-Doubt, Awaken to Your Soul's Purpose, and Live Your Badass Life ( New Harbinger Publications 2021)The Power in Your Hands: Liberate Yourself from Attachment to Technology (Broadleaf Books, 2026)Interview Date: 6/5/2026 Tags: Shannon Algeo, technology addiction, smartphone addiction, attachment theory, digital wellbeing, digital liberation, attention, creativity, neuroscience, relationships, secure attachment, parenting, nature, mindfulness, social media, presence, inner child, Mary Main, Dr. Daniel Siegel, Anne Lamott, Mark Coleman, David J. Wallin, Paul Hewson, Mary Oliver, Nikki Myers, Marianne Williamson, Seane Corn, Victor Ochen, John Bowlby, Psychology, Personal Transformation, Technology, Relationships, Parenting, Community

Anika sat down with Joshua Evarts to explore how the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence and digital communication impacts the fundamental engine of every business: human relationships. Drawing from a diverse career leading national security software companies, managing historic building restorations, running a community cigar lounge, and parenting a son working at OpenAI, Joshua offered practical insights into balancing technological automation with authentic connection, intentional culture building, and genuine curiosity. In This EpisodeTransitioning from early software programming on a Commodore 64 to leading national security tech companiesThe accidental pivot from accounting to building Easy Street Draw for automobile accident and homicide investigationsDeploying to Iraq and working with New Scotland Yard on post-blast investigationsSurviving stage 3 pancreatic lymphoma in 2020 and how facing mortality reshaped his perspective on presenceOpening a historic cigar lounge and discovering that authentic generosity is contagiousThe reality of parenting an OpenAI employee and navigating generative AI at the dinner tableWhy genuine relationships and curiosity remain the ultimate competitive advantages in an automated worldThe philosophy behind his book series, starting with If Jesus Smoked Cigars: Eight Lessons in Relational Leadership Timestamps00:03 Introduction: Balancing AI integration with thoughtful, ethical, and strategic human guidance 02:54 Early programming roots on a Commodore 64 and leaving accounting for tech entrepreneurship 07:15 The three sentinel shifts: accelerating communication speed, COVID-19 distancing, and the advent of AI 09:12 Battling stage 3 pancreatic lymphoma during 2020 and choosing gratitude as a daily mindset 10:14 Choosing presence over devices: leaving phones behind and prioritizing real human interaction 14:38 Writing If Jesus Smoked Cigars: using cheeky titles and obscure historical stories to teach relational leadership 26:45 Navigating generative AI slop, social media echo chambers, and the obsession with capturing digital data 29:21 Advice for the next generation: pursuing math, logic, and curiosity rather than fearing replacement 41:47 Recognizing that relationships are hard work and require intentional daily effort Key Insights & Takeaways Insight 1: Relationships Cannot Be Outsourced to AI While generative AI automates routine tasks and text generation, it cannot replace genuine human connection. In an increasingly automated business world, the ability to build trust, listen deeply, and maintain authentic relationships serves as an irreplaceable discriminator. Insight 2: Reckless Generosity Builds Thriving Communities Treating business relationships purely as transactions limits growth. True generosity is contagious; when business owners genuinely support their peers and foster inclusive environments, the entire community benefits and rises together. Insight 3: Focus on Culture and Process Over Outcomes Founders and leaders cannot control external market conditions or outcomes—they can only control their attitude and actions. Prioritizing a healthy, people-first culture and mastering daily processes naturally attracts top talent and loyal customers. Insight 4: Curiosity Outweighs Perfection Entering unfamiliar rooms and asking genuine questions creates unexpected opportunities. Being infinitely curious and willing to admit what you do not understand allows professionals to successfully navigate major career pivots across entirely different industries. Insight 5: Avoid Confusing Market Velocity with Productivity The rapid speed of technological advancement often tricks organizations into measuring activity rather than true business impact. Leaders must evaluate whether new tools genuinely serve their mission or create unnecessary friction for human users. Resources & Links MentionedIfJesus.com (Joshua's official website for workshops, book info, and direct contact)If Jesus Smoked Cigars: Eight Lessons in Relational Leadership by Joshua Evarts About Joshua Evarts Joshua Evarts is an author, entrepreneur and former technology executive with more than 30 years of experience building businesses in technology. He is the author of If Jesus Smokes Cigars: Eight Lessons in Relational Leadership, a book exploring how leaders and professionals can build stronger relationships in a tech-saturated world. After decades in tech, Joshua opened a cigar lounge built around conversation, storytelling and authentic connection, which became a real-world expression of his belief that innovation matters, but people still come first. As the father of a son who works at OpenAI, Joshua brings both personal and professional perspective to conversations about AI, the future of work and the human skills that technology cannot replace. Connect with JoshuaWebsite: https://ifjesus.com/ YBA was named the top PR podcast in the US by FeedSpot! Feedspot is an RSS Reader that lets you follow your favorite podcasts alongside blogs and news in one place. Like the show? Leave us a rating or review: https://lovethepodcast.com/67940257010b317cdaa9d857 Send us a Message: https://podcastfeedback.com/67940257010b317cdaa9d857 Check out our Website: https://www.yourbrandamplified.com Speak to my Delphi Clone: https://www.delphi.ai/amplifywithanika Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Edy Modica! Comedian! Actor! Friend! Delight! More! Edy's new comedy special "I'm Just Like You (And It Sucks)!" debuts on YouTube this Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8pm ET, and she'll be in the chat then so check it out then and also any time after then until infinity-ish! We have a great chat! You have a great listen! And here's some more official information about Edy and the special: "NYC-based comedian, filmmaker and actor Edy Modica's debut comedy special, I'm Just Like You, (And It Sucks)! has set September 17, 2026 at 8pm as the wide release and YouTube Premiere date. Produced by Irony Point, the Emmy and Peabody-winning production company behind projects like I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, Chris Fleming's lauded HBO special Live at the Palace, and countless other instant comedy classics, the special was shot at The Slipper Room in NYC last summer, directed by Ben O'Brien with DP Alex Bliss and editor Danny Scharar. "Through unfiltered story telling, Edy Modica discusses her longing for human connection and all of the ways she's contorted herself in search of it. Whether it be talking to stains on her aunt's carpet, making out with a pair of brothers on a cruise in 2007, or talking to a stranger about his late girlfriend who died in a car accident, Edy will stop at nothing to feel and spread love to the world around her. Edy guides the audience through her life as an angry poor kid, a sexually deviant teen, all the way to where she is now: a poor yet a slightly famous, sexually deviant adult, with a passion for Human Connection. Said Modica, 'we are all insane, complex perverts which means none of us are! And isn't that beautiful?!!?!' "Born and raised a New Yorker from Nyack to Bay Ridge to Ridgewood, Edy Modica is best known for her role in the Emmy Nominated comedy, Jury Duty in a performance that earned her a place in the The Hollywood Reporter's list of 20 Supporting Actors Who Stole The Scene. She's also one of Vultures 'Comedians You Should and Will Know. As a creator, Edy was named one of Filmmaker Magazine's '25 New Faces of Film Independent Film 2022 for her debut short film NICOLE, a Vimeo Staff Pick which Edy is currently developing as a half hour comedy pilot for HBO. On the small screen, Edy has recurred on Apple's SHRINKING, HBO Max's MADE FOR LOVE, HBO's HIGH MAINTENANCE, and Tracy Morgan's multicam series CRUTCH for Paramount+. On the big screen, Edy can be seen in Shawn Simmons's EENIE MEANIE starring Samara Weaving and recently wrapped on the Cameron Diaz star lead feature for Netflix, BAD DAY." Edy Modica Online: Instagram- @doodiehole Youtube - @doodiehole (Edy Modica Zone)  And this is only the first HALF of our conversation! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely click on over here to Patreon!

AI is changing how B2B buyers search, evaluate solutions, and decide which brands to trust. For marketers, that means traffic, leads, and traditional attribution metrics no longer tell the whole story.On StrategyCast, Lori Jones talks with Andrew Davis, SVP of Marketing and Sales at TextUs, about how AI is upending buyer behavior and forcing marketers to rethink their go-to-market strategies. Andrew explains why today's buyer journey happens across Google, AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude, review sites, retargeting, and other touchpoints long before a prospect converts.And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details.==Let's Break It Down==00:00 How AI Is Changing Buyer Behavior01:42 Andrew Davis' Path From Sales to Marketing04:21 Why Traditional Marketing Playbooks Stop Working06:11 AI Search, AEO, GEO, and Changing Demand08:00 The New Multi-Channel Buyer Journey10:39 Why Traffic Is Not the Same as Demand14:16 Lead Scoring and Multi-Channel Engagement16:11 Why Cost Per Lead Can Be Misleading17:48 Personalization and Human Connection in the AI Era22:08 How Modern GTM Strategies Are Changing24:28 Why Creative Testing Needs to Happen Faster27:37 The Marketing Skills That Matter in an AI-Driven World31:28 Human Intelligence as an AI Advantage32:37 Where to Connect With Andrew Davis33:23 Building Trust Across the Buyer Journey==Where You Can Find Us==Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast==Leave a Review==Hey there, StrategyCast fans!If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

Shownote In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with researcher, leadership expert, and bestselling author Zach Mercurio to explore one of the deepest human needs: mattering. Zach explains why feeling seen, heard, valued, and needed is essential for our well-being, relationships, and leadership. Together, they unpack the difference between having a purpose and actually experiencing mattering, revealing why millions of people feel lonely despite being more digitally connected than ever. The conversation dives into the impact of authentic human interactions in an AI-driven world, practical ways to help others feel valued every day, and powerful real-life stories showing how a few intentional words can change someone's life forever. This episode is a reminder that the smallest acts of recognition can create lifelong ripple effects—and that true leadership begins by helping people know they matter. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why every human being has a fundamental need to matter. The powerful meaning behind the phrase "If it wasn't for you..." The difference between purpose and mattering—and why both are essential. Why loneliness isn't caused by a lack of people, but by a lack of feeling valued. How technology has increased connectivity while decreasing genuine connection. The three everyday practices that help people feel seen, heard, valued, and needed. Why authentic human interactions will become more valuable than AI skills. How leaders can create psychological safety by checking in on people, not just performance. Simple ways to make someone's day through intentional recognition and appreciation. Why handwritten notes and personal words can leave a lifelong impact. The importance of giving yourself grace through Zach's "Do-Over Journal" practice. How small moments of kindness create ripple effects far beyond what we can see. Episode Timeline 00:00 Introduction: Why Mattering Matters in a Digitized World 01:00 Zach Mercurio's Background and the Impact of His Book 02:12 The Fundamental Need to Matter from Birth 03:34 The Power of Saying 'If It Wasn't for You' 05:15 Difference Between Purpose and Mattering 07:16 The Connection Between Worth and Purpose 09:18 The Loneliness Epidemic and the Quality of Connections 11:37 Organizational Blind Spots in Psychological Safety 14:15 The Role of Human Skills in the Future of Work 16:00 Authentic Interactions vs. Artificial Intelligence 17:34 The Demand for Real, High-Quality Interactions 19:10 Simple Acts of Recognition and Their Impact 21:21 The Power of Small Moments to Change Lives 23:29 The Impact of Handwritten Notes and Personal Recognition 28:54 Time and Attention as the Currency of Care 30:05 Building Connection in a Disconnected World 31:22 Practicing Grace and Self-Compassion 34:50 Final Thoughts: How We Can Make a Difference ort Where to Find Zach: Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/zachmercurio/ IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/ZMercurio/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GET THE BOOK, SHOP DIFFERENT: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/shop-different-ron-johnsonzander-nethercutt?variant=44771032498210What if the biggest career advantage in the AI era isn't better technology—but better human connection? As AI automates more of our work, the people who rise will be the ones who build trust, create memorable experiences, and make others feel seen. Few people understand this better than Ron Johnson, who created the Apple Store. In this episode, we explore what ambitious professionals can learn from how Apple built one of the most trusted brands in the world.As Apple marks its 50th anniversary, Ron shares why he believes the future belongs to businesses that create better human experiences.From shaping the vision for Apple Stores to building elite retail teams and launching innovations like the Genius Bar, Johnson helped create one of the most respected and profitable retail businesses in the world. We'll also cover some job search related questions for you Career Warriors unpacking some of Ron's career history and advice for rising professionals.In his new book, Shop Different (September 22, 2026 / HarperCollins), Johnson shares timeless lessons on leadership, innovation, and building winning cultures rooted in love, kindness, and human connection. From his career at Target to working alongside Steve Jobs at Apple and later leading J.C. Penney, Johnson offers powerful lessons on leading through relationships not transactions.Without further ado, lets launch into this special episode of the Career Warrior Podcast!Questions We'll Cover:Apple is turning 50 this year—when you look back, what do you think Apple understood about human behavior that most companies still miss?You personally interviewed every store leader, and each leader interviewed every employee. Why was hiring that personal to you?What did you look for in candidates beyond what was on their résumé?For job seekers trying to stand out today, what qualities make someone truly unforgettable in an interview?You've said we're “best at our busiest.” What do you mean by that?How do you embrace being busy and high-performing without sacrificing mental health or burning out?You emphasize employee engagement—how can leaders create more meaning at work so employees feel they're part of something bigger?Apple Stores are famous for incredible customer experiences—I joke that I feel like royalty every time I visit the North Star Mall Apple Store in San Antonio. How did you build that culture so consistently?Why was it so important for employees to remember customer interactions and connect on a personal level?You've said fixing a bad customer experience can be more valuable than simply delivering a good one. Why is that?In today's AI-driven world, many predict the death of physical retail. Why do you believe physical retail is actually becoming more important?More broadly, why do human relationships become more valuable—not less—as technology improves?Your book emphasizes kindness as a strategy. Many ambitious professionals think kindness makes you less competitive—why do you believe the opposite?How can kindness actually become a career advantage for leaders and job seekers?For someone listening who wants to become indispensable in their career over the next year, what should they focus on? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retail technology has automated the back office for years, but the store floor has lagged, still running on manual gap scans and disconnected systems that pull associates away from the guest. Jerome Rose, SVP Strategic Sales at Vusion, and Mathew Toussaint, Vice President of Operational Processes & Labor, Guest Experience & Labor at The Fresh Market, join Jeremy Goldman to unpack how connected store technology can transform daily floor operations without losing the human connection at the center of the guest experience. INSIDE THE EPISODE: - Hospitality is the thing technology should protect, not perform. Technology should never try to perform hospitality. It should protect the conditions that make hospitality possible. Systems can monitor and prioritize. People still have to read the moment, care, and adapt. - A connected store isn't measured in devices. For Toussaint, a connected store starts with three things: the human experience, the operating condition, and the human return. The real test is whether technology absorbs the complexity backstage so the front-of-house experience stays calm, consistent, and personal. - Electronic shelf labels have outgrown pricing. ESLs increasingly do double duty. On the shopper-facing side, they've evolved into tools for merchandising and storytelling, sourcing, or wellness details beyond just a price. On the associate-facing side, many labels include a second screen entirely - one associates can flip to for real-time inventory levels without leaving the aisle. - Moving from hunting to acting changes what "available" means. Shelf availability and inventory aren't the same thing. A product can exist in the building and still not be available to a guest when they need it. Real-time shelf data lets teams detect, prioritize, replenish, and verify, instead of walking the aisle to find out what's already gone wrong. Listen above to hear how Vusion and The Fresh Market are approaching connected store technology as a way to give teams back their attention, not just their time.

Will artificial intelligence bring us closer together or drive us further apart? Meet Nathan Graham!Nathan Graham — author, AI consultant, speaker, real estate broker, business builder, and founder of Synthetic Echo Inc.In this episode, Nathan is here to discuss the evolving landscape of technology, communication, and human relationships. As AI becomes embedded in our daily interactions, preserving genuine empathy, active listening, and authentic connection is more important than ever.Key Topics Covered:The AI Communication ShiftHow automated tools are changing how interactPreserving Authenticity Why high-tech tools require human relationshipsSacrificing depth for speedHow leaders can leverage AI Fear-mongering in the age of AIDaily habits to stay present and empatheticHow soft skills will play a role in the age of AI...and so much more!Connect with Nathan:Website:  https://syntheticecho.com/Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-ai-will-change-human-connection-w-nathan-graham/id1614151066?i=1000789564096Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VCeHTGTykiIdcdUIwoamV?si=6wr7YdAXQFeMA8R36Cqxighttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4VCeHTGTykiIdcdUIwoamVYouTube: https://youtu.be/YfhlJwWvlJ0?si=KtzNdLZdQK9CvTaP

Setting boundaries at work can feel risky, especially when you respect the people you work with and don't want to damage the relationship.In this episode, Connie is navigating a challenging dynamic with a well-meaning but disorganized supervisor. As expectations shift and ideas keep expanding, she finds herself overwhelmed, over-responsible, and unsure how to speak up without causing harm.Together, we explore how to set clear, grounded boundaries while staying collaborative and relational.This conversation goes beyond workplace strategy and reveals the deeper patterns many of us carry around responsibility, people-pleasing, and emotional labor.Read more on the blog.Want more direct access to me? I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection. Join regular live calls where students in the school bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans. Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.Here are more ways to connect with me:Join the School of Human ConnectionHop on my free Wednesday live callFollow me on YouTube

Are you surrounded by people all day long—and still somehow feeling lonely?For busy, high-achieving moms, loneliness doesn't always look like being alone. It can look like filling every minute, taking care of everyone else, saying yes to one more responsibility, and staying in constant “doer mode.” But underneath all that productivity, you might actually be craving something deeper: real connection.This week on The Secrets of Supermom Show, Lori sits down with friendship and connection expert, bestselling author, and former litigator Shari Leid to talk about why connection matters so much—not just in our friendships, but in motherhood, leadership, work, and our relationship with ourselves.Shari shares why loneliness can contribute to burnout, why being surrounded by people isn't the same as feeling connected, and why our instinct to control or fix things can actually get in the way of the relationships we want most.You'll also learn Shari's FLIP the Box method for creating deeper connection. Plus, Shari shares what she discovered after traveling to all 50 states and sharing a meal with a different woman in each one—and why connection begins when we stop trying to be interesting and start being interested.In this episode, you'll discover:Why you can feel lonely even when you're surrounded by peopleThe surprising connection between loneliness, overachieving, and burnoutWhy connection with yourself has to come firstHow control can create compliance—but not connection—with our kidsShari's four-part FLIP method for building stronger relationshipsA simple way to start creating the community and connection you're cravingWhy you shouldn't wait for community to find you: Don't wait. Create.If you've been so busy managing the schedules, solving the problems, checking the boxes, and taking care of everyone else that you've lost a little connection with yourself—or the people around you—this conversation is for you.Special for Secrets of Supermom listeners: Shari is hosting a three-day women's retreat in Austin, Texas. Visit animperfectlyperfectlife.com/retreat and use code SUPERMOM at checkout to save $100.Text us your feedback or questions!Stay connected!Join us in The Supermom Society! Get all the details at thesupermomsociety.com!Get all our show notes, buy the book Secrets of Supermom, and more at our website: www.secretsofsupermom.comSecrets of Supermom on FacebookSecrets of Supermom on Instagram