Podcast appearances and mentions of John Bates

Join Ellen & special guests, power couple Shannon Hackett and John Bates from the Field Museum, here to talk about the intersection of science, history, and of course, birds in a love letter to the natural history museum. We discuss working alongside SUE the T. rex, specimen pickles, harlequin romance novels, and explore bigger questions like how museum collections can reveal evolution happening around us right now in real-time and help us look into the future, what the average everyday person can learn about themselves and what science actually looks like from a museum, and the hotly contested debate as to whether grey vireos are interesting or not.Links:Check out Birds of a Feather Talk Together on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Instagram!Learn more about the Field Museum on their website!For more information about us & our podcast, head over to our website!Follow Just the Zoo of Us on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram & Discord!Follow Ellen on Instagram or BlueSky!

In this episode of Live Like a Leader, I sit down with organizational development expert Gil Crosby (https://www.crosbyod.com/) to explore timeless principles for change, leadership, and frontline empowerment. Learn why most “programs” fail, how to balance authority with freedom, and how leaders can unlock performance by listening to the people closest to the work.Gil Crosby has been an Organization Development Professional since 1984. He applies the Social Science of Kurt Lewin to help organizations navigate change and improve performance, as the same principles apply in both business and society. He is also a Professor at the Leadership Institute of Seattle, and he has just published his 7th book, Leadership and the Front-Line Workforce, for anyone in an organization. Here's what we get into: Kurt Lewin's social science—and why it still worksGil explains Lewin's core insight: when people who live with the problem talk it through together, design solutions that make sense to them, and test them, change actually sticks. Whether it's improving productivity in a plant or reducing violence in a community, people implement what they help shape. Why “forcing best practices” often failsWe talk about how organizations take something like Lean or the Toyota Production System and try to copy-paste it—usually by forcing compliance. Gil highlights what gets left out: at Toyota, when a worker stops the line, the supervisor's first response is “Thank you.” That level of respect and engagement is the point—and when it's missing, the system becomes just another top-down “program of the month.” A perfect frontline story: the Channel Locks lessonGil tells an incredible example from a manufacturing plant: management tried to reduce theft by making workers check out channel locks (basic tools used constantly), which slowed production every time someone needed one. When we asked the obvious question—what does downtime cost compared to a $15 tool?—The plant manager immediately changed course: “Tomorrow, we're putting channel locks everywhere.”And the best part? Once workers saw leadership was actually listening, they didn't steal them. Trust went up, friction went down, and productivity improved. Empowerment isn't “nice”—it's operationalI share why bad customer service drives me crazy (including what I've seen in Slovakia), and the pattern underneath it: people on the front line aren't empowered to make decisions. If the people closest to the work can't act, everything bottlenecks—and leadership often doesn't even know what's broken. Battlefield leadership and “commander's intent.”We connect this to military lessons: when leaders hoard information and control, people suffer. When teams understand the goal and the intent, they can make smarter decisions in real time. That's true in combat, and it's true in business. Democracy vs. autocracy—at work and in societyGil shares Lewin's conclusion that hit me hard: every generation has to learn how to be effective democratic citizens, because democracy isn't self-sustaining. The same is true inside organizations: if people aren't taught how to think, participate, and take ownership, you'll get passivity… or rebellion. The leadership sweet spot: structure + freedomOne of my favorite parts: Gil breaks leadership down as a balance of structure and freedom.People need clarity, information, accountability, and guidance.They also need autonomy and space to think.Too much control creates compliance-without-commitment. Too little structure turns into leaderless chaos. Meetings, fear, and why delegation is so hardWe talk about why leaders struggle to delegate well: endless meetings, unclear authority structures, and fear—fear of upsetting someone, fear of saying no, fear of authority (often rooted way earlier than work). I share a line I coach leaders to use when they're overloaded: “I'd be happy to do that. I'm maxed out—what would you like me to deprioritize so I can take this on?” Gil's low moment, and a leadership lessonGil opens up about the Great Recession: no safety net, consulting work dried up, and he drove a taxi to survive. His takeaway is powerful: do your best, no matter the role. And don't get cocky when money is flowing, because it can stop.MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAYIf you want performance, stop trying to “roll out” solutions to people. Build solutions with them. The front line sees what leadership can't—and when you treat them like owners instead of obstacles, everything improves: morale, execution, and results. --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're diving back into one of our all-time favorite duck episodes—spotlighting the unforgettable harlequin duck, one of the most striking and resilient waterfowl in North America.Known for nesting along fast-flowing mountain streams and spending winters on rugged, wave-battered coastlines, the harlequin duck is a true marvel of adaptation. From its bold plumage to its extreme habitat choices, this species never fails to amaze birders, ornithologists, and nature lovers alike.Joining the conversation are married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, curators of birds at the Field Museum, along with RJ and Amanda—enthusiastic bird fans who love asking the questions you're probably thinking.While we're gearing up for brand-new episodes, we hope you enjoy this look back at one of our most popular and fascinating duck deep dives. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just discovering the joy of birds, this episode is packed with insight, wonder, and a deep appreciation for one of nature's most adventurous ducks.

Rich Dotson and Matt O'Hara dive into third year players poised for fantasy football success or decline in 2026. With the Chargers firing Greg Roman and committing to protect Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey emerges as a prime bounce back candidate after finishing as wide receiver 23 in 2025. The hosts debate whether McConkey can return to his rookie form when he posted 82 catches and 1,149 yards. Ben Sinnott gets the spotlight as a potential third year breakout with Zach Ertz likely gone from Washington. Sinnott outperformed John Bates in routes run and air yards when Ertz went down, making him a worthy third round pick gamble. On the breakdown side, Xavier Worthy and Trey Benson face uphill battles with unclear roles and injury concerns limiting their dynasty value heading into year three. Start Using the Film Room Today! FastDraft: Download and deposit $10 using code NERDS on the FastDraft app and join your first draft to be eligible for a free one-year full bundle membership at Dynasty Nerds (new members only). FastDraft will match your deposit up to $50. Draft best ball teams in under 5 minutes! FFPC: New Users: Use promo code NERDS for $25 off your first FFPC Playoff Challenge Entry! 00:00 Start 02:12 Breakout: Ladd McConkey 12:43 Breakout: Ben Sinnott 18:04 Honorable Mentions 21:17 FFPC 24:16 FastDraft 26:43 Breakdown: Xavier Worthy 33:18 Breakdown: Trey Benson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boise State plays Utah State in one of the biggest home basketball games of the season Saturday and we get you ready three ways - Prater and Mallory with a exclusive interview with Drew Fielder, Bob talks to (new starter?) Aginaldo Neto in Bronco Focus, B.J. Rains talks Boise State hoops and football in his weekly BNN Report - the Broncos announced two new assistant football coaches Friday, Dirk Koetter returns as our NFL playoff correspondent through the Super Bowl, Commanders/former Boise State TE John Bates joins the show after scoring a TD in his final game of the season, do Boise State fans want Oregon to win a national championship (those two teams open the 2026 season in Eugene), Friday Five - our week in review, with a twistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington tight end John Bates, a former Boise State standout, joins Prater and Mallory for his annual postseason visit with KTIK. Bates caught a TD in his final game of this past season, but he's developed a reputation as one of the best blocking TEs in the NFL. What's Bates' future in the Commanders' TE changing room? Where does he want to get better? And what's the update on his life away from football?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into:Why your beingness is the brand—and how to access itThe quiet resistance most leaders carry that keeps them from full expressionHer philosophy on “branding from the inside out”How she helps clients identify and speak from their core essence, not just what they doThe real story of how she and I met—and why she decided I needed a podcastThis conversation goes far beyond brand strategy. It's about being brave enough to be fully seen and fully yourself. Jenna doesn't just build brands—she calls people home to who they are.If you're ready to stop performing and start resonating, this is an episode you don't want to miss. ----- Jenna Flanagan is an award-winning broadcast journalist, host, and producer whose work bridges public media, local accountability reporting, and smart, accessible conversations about civic life. She has reported and hosted for WNET's MetroFocus, bringing audiences across the New York region in-depth coverage of policy, culture, and community voices. She has also been a field reporter responsible for covering how policy presented in the New York State legislature impacts constituents across the state for WMHT's government and public-affairs program New York NOW.Jenna began her career at New York's 1010 WINS, rising from production assistant to assistant editor in a fast-paced newsroom. She then went on to WBGO in Newark as a general-assignment reporter before spending six and a half years at WNYC's All Things Considered as a writer, reporter, and producer. Her work has also aired nationally on NPR.Her recent projects include co-creating and co-hosting the podcast Laid Off and Looking, a candid series that examines how news is made, who shapes it, and what's at stake for democracy as the media industry restructures. She has also hosted the award-winning podcast series, After Broad and Market, revisiting the 2003 murder of Sakia Gunn to explore the power and limits of local journalism.A Hudson Valley native who grew up in New Paltz, Jenna studied communications and journalism at Seton Hall University. She continues to champion localism and public-interest reporting across platforms, appearing on radio, television, and digital outlets to elevate stories that inform, challenge, and connect communities. Laid Off and Looking Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@LaidOffandLookingPodcastIn the Margins with Jenna Flanagan Substack: https://jflanagan.substack.com/Jenna Flanagan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jflannys?lang=en --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

In this episode, we cover:✅ How Jeremiah went from bootstrapping websites during the dot-com boom to building a global cybersecurity business.✅ Why most cybercrime isn't about “hacking systems,” it's about hacking humans.✅ The emotional tricks scammers use, and how to spot them before you get duped.✅ Real-world stories of cybercrime that cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in seconds.✅ The single most important (and shockingly simple) thing you can do to protect yourself today. Jeremiah also shares powerful insights from his keynote, Confessions of a Hacker, including why it's often too late once the money is gone, and how you can take smart, preventative action without expensive software or technical know-how. 

Welcome back to Birds of a Feather Talk Together! We are officially in full winter swing, and that means it's the perfect time to shine a spotlight on one of the most iconic cold-weather visitors out there — the Snowy Owl.If you've been anywhere near bird-Twitter or the local news, you may have heard about the pair of Snowy Owls in Chicago. These birds are stunning, unmistakable, and one of those species that gets everyone — even the non-birders — buzzing with excitement.We also answer a listener question about a Loon that was recently seen in the Chicago area. Join John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

London, Santana, and Fred recap the Commanders win over New York. Then, the crew shares their favorite memories against the Eagles. Plus, the crew previews this Week 16 matchup against Washington and Philadelphia. And then, tight end John Bates joins the show. The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guests and/or hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Washington Commanders or any of their representatives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. John Bates explores how strong document management drive successful enterprise AI. John earned a PhD in Computer Science from Cambridge and is the CEO of SER, an enterprise content management company focused on intelligent content automation. Listen for three action items you can use today. Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest? https://DigitalTransformationPodast.net/guest Do you want to be a sponsor? https://DigitalTransformationPodcast.net/advertise

From NASA and Accenture to founders pitching their next round, John Bates helps high‑stakes leaders turn ideas into messages people actually remember and act on. His approach is rooted in the “bio‑logical” realities of how human beings listen, decide and trust, making public speaking less about performance and more about genuine connection.

With Zach Ertz out with injury, who will step up? Is it John Bates, Ben Sinnott, or Colson Yankoff?

With Commanders TE Zach Ertz out with injury. Will it be John Bates, Ben Sinnott, or Colson Yankoff to step up?

This week we've got a seriously fun one for you. We are joined by the wonderful Ellen Weatherford from the podcast Just the Zoo of Us.John and Shannon are guests on her show later this month, so we asked Ellen to come chat with us about the bird of her choice. She came back with flamingos—and boy, were we thrilled.It turned into such a bright, lively, surprisingly deep conversation about one of the most iconic birds out there. From their wild social lives to their unbelievable color and biology, this episode is just pure joy from start to finish.Ellen joins John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

In this episode with Thom Shea, we cover:What makes someone truly “unbreakable”How to survive the worst day of your life, and what happens if you don't give upWhy “just doing the basics” is often the most advanced move you can makeHis life-saving experience during a firefight in Afghanistan that earned him the Silver StarThe Rule of Three; how simplifying complexity transforms business, health, and leadershipWhether you're leading a team or leading your own life, Thom shares insights that will challenge and empower you to show up—again and again—no matter what.

We get into interesting topics like:Why communicating with human beings isn't logical—it's biologicalWhat Navy SEALs, elite surgeons, and business leaders all get wrong about stress and recoveryThe surprising ways trauma shows up in leadership, relationships, and performanceAnd the decisive importance of celebration in reprogramming the nervous systemWhether you're a high-performing executive or just someone looking to be free of your invisible walls, Tara's insight is not to be missed.

This week on Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we're exploring one of the rarest, most extraordinary birds on the planet: the spoon-billed sandpiper—a tiny shorebird with one of nature's most fascinating evolutionary surprises.If you caught our recent YouTube video where John compared a Roseate Spoonbill at the Field Museum to the delicate spoon-billed sandpiper specimen, you already know we love a good convergent evolution story. Two completely unrelated birds… both evolving their own version of a spoon-shaped bill. Nature never misses.In this episode, we go deeper: • How the spoon-billed sandpiper lives • Why this critically endangered species is so incredibly rare • The conservation challenges pushing it to the brink • And what makes this small shorebird so endlessly remarkableJoin married couple Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett, curators of birds at Chicago's world-renowned Field Museum, along with RJ Pole, and his wife Amanda, as we unpack the science, stories, and pure wonder behind the spoon-billed sandpiper.Whether you're a birder, nature lover, museum nerd, or curious listener, this episode is packed with insights into one of the most unique birds on Earth.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow: YouTube Instagram TikTok BlueSky

The Golden Eagle — one of North America's largest, fastest, and most powerful raptors — takes center stage in this week's episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together! Married ornithologists Dr. John Bates and Dr. Shannon Hackett from Chicago's Field Museum join hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, who recently spotted Golden Eagles during their honeymoon in Arizona, to share insights about these majestic hunters of the sky.From breathtaking aerial speed to nesting habits and migration routes, we explore what makes this bird one of the most awe-inspiring birds in the world. Plus, we dive into listener feedback on John's Olive-sided Flycatcher episode — a fan favorite that continues to inspire birders everywhere!Tune in for stories of love, science, and soaring wings.

Hear from Von Miller and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, Sam Cosmi fills in for John Bates' usual visit, and Logan Paulsen and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 9 SNF loss to Seattle that saw Jayden Daniels injured.

Hear from Von Miller and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, Sam Cosmi fills in for John Bates' usual visit, and Logan Paulsen and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 9 SNF loss to Seattle that saw Jayden Daniels injured.

Hear from Von Miller and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, Sam Cosmi fills in for John Bates' usual visit, and Logan Paulsen and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 9 SNF loss to Seattle that saw Jayden Daniels injured.

Hear from Von Miller and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, Sam Cosmi fills in for John Bates' usual visit, and Logan Paulsen and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 9 SNF loss to Seattle that saw Jayden Daniels injured.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Logan Paulsen and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 8 MNF loss to Kansas City.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Logan Paulsen and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 8 MNF loss to Kansas City.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Logan Paulsen and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 8 MNF loss to Kansas City.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Logan Paulsen and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 8 MNF loss to Kansas City.

John Bates joins the program to discuss the Commanders mindset after losing three in a row.

Hour 2 of BMitch & Finlay features interviews with Neil Greenberg, John Bates, and some World Series updates.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Joe Theismann, Jay Gruden, and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 7 loss to Dallas.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Joe Theismann, Jay Gruden, and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 7 loss to Dallas.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Joe Theismann, Jay Gruden, and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 7 loss to Dallas.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Joe Theismann, Jay Gruden, and Steve Suter break down the Commanders' Week 7 loss to Dallas.

John Bates joins the program to discuss the losing streak and his Halloween plans.

Hour 2 of BMitch & Finlay features the guys debating what is wrong with Washington, John Bates joining the show, and the guys debating which person is the craziest on the show.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Santana Moss and Jay Gruden break down the Commanders' Weel 5 win in Los Angeles. Plus, Ed McCaffrey discusses how he divides his time with two sons playing and one coaching in the NFL!

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Santana Moss and Jay Gruden break down the Commanders' Weel 5 win in Los Angeles. Plus, Ed McCaffrey discusses how he divides his time with two sons playing and one coaching in the NFL!

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Santana Moss and Jay Gruden break down the Commanders' Weel 5 win in Los Angeles. Plus, Ed McCaffrey discusses how he divides his time with two sons playing and one coaching in the NFL!

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Santana Moss and Jay Gruden break down the Commanders' Weel 5 win in Los Angeles. Plus, Ed McCaffrey discusses how he divides his time with two sons playing and one coaching in the NFL!

Commanders tight end John Bates joins the show.

Hour 2 of BMitch & Finlay features an interview with John Bates and a debate on who was the biggest offseason addition for the Washington offense.

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Fred Smoot and Joe Theismann break down the Commanders' loss in Atlanta and how the 2-2 squad can improve going forward!

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Fred Smoot and Joe Theismann break down the Commanders' loss in Atlanta and how the 2-2 squad can improve going forward!

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Fred Smoot and Joe Theismann break down the Commanders' loss in Atlanta and how the 2-2 squad can improve going forward!

Hear from Von Miller, John Bates, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt in their weekly segments, plus Fred Smoot and Joe Theismann break down the Commanders' loss in Atlanta and how the 2-2 squad can improve going forward!

Hear from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Von Miller, and John Bates in their weekly segments, and Santana Moss as he reminisces on the Monday Night Miracle! Also, new Maryland AD James E. Smith discusses how he's approaching the gig, and the legendary Cal Ripken talks all things MLB!

Hear from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Von Miller, and John Bates in their weekly segments, and Santana Moss as he reminisces on the Monday Night Miracle! Also, new Maryland AD James E. Smith discusses how he's approaching the gig, and the legendary Cal Ripken talks all things MLB!

Jay Gruden recaps the Commanders' TNF loss to Green Bay and the injuries they suffered; John Bates and Von Miller also weigh in on all things Commanders and their own seasons; DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Joe Maloney discuss the Commanders' return to RFK; on the MLB tip, MacKenzie Gore looks at how the next Nationals front office has to help get the most out of the players on the field; and, Alex Ovechkin sits down with the Junkies at Caps Media Day!

Jay Gruden recaps the Commanders' TNF loss to Green Bay and the injuries they suffered; John Bates and Von Miller also weigh in on all things Commanders and their own seasons; DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Joe Maloney discuss the Commanders' return to RFK; on the MLB tip, MacKenzie Gore looks at how the next Nationals front office has to help get the most out of the players on the field; and, Alex Ovechkin sits down with the Junkies at Caps Media Day!