PODCAST · society
Fault Lines
by Richard Roman
Fault Lines explores why trust breaks and how to rebuild it in organizations, leadership, communities, and public institutions. Hosted by Richard Roman, PhD, an expert in organizational leadership and trust strategy, the show translates research into actionable playbooks for senior leaders, consultants, and anyone navigating broken trust. Each episode features researchers, executives, and practitioners unpacking what actually works: workplace culture, team dynamics, institutional credibility, and civic trust. New episodes every week. Subscribe and start building trust where it matters most!
Episodes
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Trauma-Informed Community Research: Building Trust Beyond Crime Rates
Too many “helping” systems are built to extract knowledge instead of create change. Keara Cormier-Hill breaks down how trauma-informed, equity-centered research can shift power back to the people most affected, and why that changes everything for safety, trust, and real community care. Keara is…
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The Honesty Threshold That Breaks Trust in Universities
Trust does not collapse because people disagree. It collapses when people believe the truth was hidden. In this episode, Dr. Richard Roman shares findings from his dissertation on how state legislators decide whether public universities deserve their trust and continued support. Drawing on 25...
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Why Higher Ed Lost Trust ... and How It Can Win It Back
Higher education is facing a steep decline in public trust Dr. Kathryn A. E. Enke explains why the problem goes beyond public relations, and what colleges and universities can do to rebuild confidence through clearer communication, effective governance, and stronger ties with their communities.…
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Why Faculty Retreat Far Beyond What the Law Requires
Trust can break long before anyone admits it. The real danger is not only a headline-making ban or complaint; instead, it’s the quiet retreat that follows when people start teaching, speaking, and making decisions as if the worst-case scenario has already arrived. In this episode, we explore how...
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A PhD Program Doesn't Have to Feel Like a Solo Race
The hardest part of a doctorate is not the coursework. It is the moment the cohort disappears, the dissertation begins, and the quiet isolation hits all at once. Madeline Rowe, PhD and Richard unpack what really happens after structured support fades, why so many PhD students experience a shift...
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Trust Isn’t Declared. It’s Demonstrated One Interaction at a Time | Solo Episode
Trust is not something you ask for; it is something you prove, one visible act at a time. Dr. Richard Roman breaks down why the fastest way to rebuild trust in a person, team, organization, or institution is often the least flashy one: showing up, following through, and closing the loop. Using...
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How Door Knocking Rebuilt Trust in a Depleted Political System
What if the fastest way to rebuild trust in politics, science, and your community was not to persuade harder, but to listen better? Science policy professional and Boonville, Missouri city council member Hallie Thompson shares the deceptively simple approach that helped her win rural counties,...
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When Trust Breaks, What Fills the Vacuum? | A Solo Episode
Trust is the invisible economy that holds organizations, communities, and even families together, but what happens when it breaks? In this episode, Dr. Richard Roman examines why people stop trusting institutions not because the facts changed, but because the relationship broke down first. Using...
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The 40-Year Shield: How One Law Fractured Trust Between Families and the Healthcare System
She was told her son would never talk, never live independently, never function without lifelong care. She refused to accept it. In this episode, Tracy Slepcevic, bestselling author of Warrior Mom, founder of the Autism Health Summit, and one of the newest members of the federal Interagency…
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The Link Between Childhood Money Scripts and Chronic Debt | A Solo Episode
In this episode of Fault Lines, Dr. Richard Roman explores why financial struggle is often not a knowledge problem, but a trust problem. Through the story of Holly Morphew, who once carried $67,000 in credit card debt while also managing chronic illness, Richard shows how even highly literate,...
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Self-Trust and Mindset are the Missing Pieces in Building Wealth That Lasts | Holly Morphew, Founder of Financial Impact
Richard sits down with Holly Morphew, accredited financial counselor and founder of Financial Impact, to explore the powerful connection between self-trust, money mindset, and long-term financial freedom. Holly shares the personal story behind her work, including how a health crisis, $67,000 in...
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Trust Is Not About Evidence: It's an Act of Imagination and Judgment | A Solo Episode
In this episode, host Richard Roman explores a powerful idea: trust in organizations is not built by certainty, but by imagination. Building on insights from a prior conversation with Rae Greiner, he attempts to illustrate why the best leaders don’t just verify behavior: they develop the judgment...
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The Unsettling Truth About Certainty in Victorian Stories and the Illusion of Trust | Rae Greiner, Editor of Victorian Studies
Host Richard Roman welcomes Rae Greiner, associate professor and editor of Victorian Studies, to explore how 18th- and 19th-century novels trained readers to think beyond simple rules and certainty, and why trust, sympathy, and moral judgment are far more complicated than they first appear. The...
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The Science of Male Loneliness and Emotional Disconnection | A Solo Episode
In this episode, Dr. Richard Roman explores a powerful question: what happens when boys grow up without healthy initiation, mentorship, and emotional permission? Building on a prior conversation with Dan Doty, Richard examines the science behind masculine identity formation, the “boy code,” and…
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Into the Wilderness: Confidence, Initiation, and the Future of Men’s Work | Dan Doty, Co-Founder of Fatherhood Ready
In this important conversation, Dan Doty shares how wilderness therapy, men’s groups, and rites of passage shaped his life’s work helping boys and men grow into healthier, more emotionally connected adults. He opens up about the difference between conditional and unconditional confidence, the…
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What Your Organization's Design Says About Who Truly Belongs There | A Solo Episode
Most organizational trust strategies overlook the deep structural harm embedded in our systems, until now. What if rebuilding trust requires more than transparency and good behavior? What if it starts by recognizing the invisible forces shaping our organizations, and ourselves? In this…
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How Immigrant Roots Continue to Shape Trust and Resilience Today | Dr. Ayli Carrero Pinedo, Founder of In Alignment Wellness
Unlock the transformative power of trust in healing, especially when navigating trauma, race, and systemic harm. Dr. Ayli Carrero Pinedo shares a compelling, never-before-told journey from immigrant beginnings to leading conversations on racial trauma, mental health, and social justice, revealing...
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The Radical Shift: From Knowledge to Behavior as the New Competitive Edge in a Trust-Scarce World | A Solo Episode
In this episode, Richard Roman examines one of the defining questions of the AI era: when does technology actually serve people, and when does it quietly extract from them? Using the example of AI-powered leadership coaching, Richard expands the conversation into a broader framework for...
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The Hidden Power of Real-Time Feedback for Transforming Modern Leadership | Ben Perreau, Founder of Parafoil
Richard Roman speaks with Ben Perreau about how AI and cognitive science are reshaping leadership development, manager feedback, and employee engagement in the modern workplace. They explore why frontline managers are often the real lever for organizational change, how real-time feedback can...
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Neuroscience Evidence That Mindfulness Changes Leadership from the Inside Out | A Solo Episode
In this follow-up to the conversation with Andrew McNeill of LX Leaders, Richard Roman explores what happens when awareness, trust, and accountability break down at every level, from the nervous system of a leader to the culture of an organization. Using recent news around Purdue Pharma, the…
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The Science Behind Psychological Safety and How Mindfulness Builds Trust | Andrew McNeil, Principal of LXLeaders
Most leaders are missing the secret ingredient that transforms stress into success. Andrew McNeil reveals how a simple mindfulness shift helped him thrive amidst the chaos of government crises, and how you can do the same. After hitting burnout at the pinnacle of his career, Andrew turned to...
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The Trust Erosion Inside You That’s Secretly Destroying Your Career | A Solo Episode
Most workplace burnout isn’t just fatigue; instead, it’s a trust crisis that erodes your confidence, curiosity, and connection with yourself and others. When chronic stress fractures your relationship with yourself, it creates a cycle of doubt, isolation, and diminishing performance. But here’s…
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The Power of a Career Break to Reclaim Your Confidence and Purpose | Jeremy Hannah, Founder and Principal of Viante Talent Solutions
What does it take to rebuild your career, your health, and your sense of purpose when burnout pushes you to the edge? In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Hannah, co-founder of Viante Talent Solutions, to explore how a career break, a global reset, and a commitment to self-trust helped him...
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Knowledge Isn’t Enough: Building Trust to Close the Knowing-Doing Gap | A Solo Episode
Host Richard Roman explores a powerful idea from leadership consultant Marcy Levy Schankman: the “knowing-doing gap” isn’t really a knowledge problem; instead, it’s a trust problem. Drawing on research in psychological safety, organizational development, and emotionally intelligent leadership,...
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Why Organizational Trust Survives (or Crumbles) From a Single Mistake | Marcy Levy Shankman, Founder of MLS Consulting
Host Richard Roman returns for a new season. He sits down with leadership expert Dr. Marcy Levy Shankman for a wide-ranging conversation that explores what trust really means in organizations, why it can take years to build and moments to break, and how emotionally intelligent leadership helps...
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Staying with the Trouble: The Practice of Building Trust Through Presence and Connection | A Solo Episode
In this season two finale, host Richard Roman reflects on the biggest themes that emerged across ten powerful conversations about trust, systems, healing, leadership, and change. From higher education and poverty to entrepreneurship, branding, yoga, and ecological crisis, this episode connects…
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Inside the Admissions Committee: What Colleges Really Look For (Cross-Promoted)
In this cross-published episode from You’ll Thank Us Later, Christine Wilson sits down with Richard for an open, clear-eyed conversation about the college application process, mainly what influences decisions, what applicants should prioritize, and how to navigate a system that often feels opaque...
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How Trust, Identity, and Vulnerability Drive Paradigm Shifts in Business | Chris Endersby & Mickey Wilson, Co-Founders of Firestarter Collective
In this episode, we sit down with the co-founders of Firestarter Collective to explore how branding, identity, and trust shape business growth in the B2B world. Dr. Chris Endersby and Mickey Wilson share how their different career paths (from social work, academia, leadership, coaching,...
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The Power of Heart-Centered Leadership to Transform Organizations | Reem Borrows, Founder of Dreem Coaching and Consulting
In this impactful episode, Reem Borrows, founder of Dream Coaching and Consulting, shares how her journey from Palestine to Australia shaped her approach to heart-centered leadership, resilience, and human performance. Drawing from more than 20 years in corporate leadership across sales…
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The Surprising Role of Universities in Widening Socioeconomic Inequality | Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, author of "Paying the Price"
Most discussions around higher education focus on the economics. What if the real crisis is about trust, accessibility, and relevance? Sara Goldrick-Rab, a sociologist who has spent her entire career fighting for affordable, equitable college access, exposes the systemic failures that have left...
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The Five Phases to Activate and Accelerate Breakthrough Innovation | Shannon Lucas, Co-Founder of Catalyst Constellations
In this episode, Shannon Lucas shares her journey in building an innovation program at Vodafone and the challenges that come with driving organizational transformation, including burnout among change-makers. She explores the unique role of catalysts (individuals who spark and sustain change…
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Why Public Trust in Government Is Crumbling and How Private Industries Exploit It | Anne Kim, author of "Poverty for Profit"
Most people don’t realize how private industry, privatization, and government failures intertwine to sustain systems that trap and profit from vulnerable communities. Anne Kim, renowned journalist and policy expert, exposes the shocking networks fueling America’s ongoing poverty crisis, and how...
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How Storytelling Can Repair Broken Systems and Rebuild Public Trust | Bernadette Marciniak, Founder of Solhaus Media
Bernadette Marciniak shares how a background in journalism, photography, and videography shaped her approach to storytelling, trust, and leadership. From growing up in a family of Polish immigrants to building Solhaus Media in Los Angeles, Bernadette explains how visual storytelling can do more...
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From Deep Betrayal to Healing: A Journey of Trust and Resilience | Michelle Thielen, Founder of YogaFaith
In this powerful episode, Michelle Thielen shares the remarkable story behind Yoga Faith and the lessons she learned through entrepreneurship, betrayal, forgiveness, discernment, and rebuilding trust. From a life-altering business setback to a deeply personal leadership crisis, Michelle opens up...
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Famine and Flood: What 14th-Century England Teaches Us About Climate Resilience | Shannon Gayk, author of "Apocalyptic Ecologies"
In this thoughtful conversation, Richard Roman sits down with his former English professor, Shannon Gayk, to explore how medieval literature and environmental writing can speak powerfully to the climate crises of the present. Professor Gayk is the author of Apocalyptic Ecologies. She reflects on...
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The Science of Vibes: How Connecting Culture Builds Customer Trust | Sonia Baschez, Founder of Bend Growth
In this episode, we sit down with Sonia Baschez, an early-stage startup marketer and fractional CMO at Yapping as a Service (YAAS), to unpack why the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all; instead, it feels like a story people want to follow. Sonia shares how her path from immigration...
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How Organizational Care Can Transform Universities from the Inside Out | Dr. Kevin McClure, author of "The Caring University"
In this thought-provoking episode, Richard speaks with Dr. Kevin McClure about the realities of burnout, trust, and organizational care in higher education. Drawing from his research, his book The Caring University, and years of interviewing higher ed professionals, Dr. McClure explains why so…
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AI Won't Replace Human Judgment But It Could Make You Smarter | Gal Borenstein, CEO of The Borenstein Group
In this episode, we sit down with Gal Borenstein, founder of The Borenstein Group, to unpack how trust, vulnerability, and deep industry knowledge shape successful marketing in the age of AI. Gal shares how he built a top B2B branding agency from the ground up, why “making creativity a science”…
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From Corporate Ladder to Heart-Centered Leadership: Embracing Love Over Control | Genevieve Pitturo, Founder and Principal of Beyond Bedtime
We sit down with Genevieve Pitturo, founder of Pajama Program, now Beyond Bedtime, to explore how self-trust, compassion, and purposeful leadership can transform lives. Genevieve shares the powerful moment that pulled her away from a fast-moving corporate career and into a mission centered on...
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Trusting Your Intuition Is the Key to Unlocking Your Spiritual Potential | Alex Amorosi, Founder of The Subtle Universe
After a brief summer hiatus, Richard Roman sits down with Alex Amorosi to explore the deep connection between trust, intuition, and personal transformation. Alex shares how a winding path through yoga, Reiki, energy healing, intuitive work, and astrology led him to The Subtle Universe, a practice...
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How Personal Trust Drives Systemic Change: A Heartfelt Journey from the Inside | A Solo Episode
In this personal solo episode, host Richard Roman steps away from the interview format to share the story behind the podcast and the lived experiences that shaped its mission. From growing up as a queer kid in Southern Virginia to working inside higher education, policy, and institutional...
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The Surprising Habits That Foster Trust Before You Even Enter the Room | Jo Newell, Founder of Monday Strategies
In this episode, Richard Roman sits down with Jo Newell, founder and CEO of Monday Strategies, for a powerful conversation about trust, leadership, representation, and communication. Jo shares how she built her career across nonprofit, startup, and corporate spaces, what it means to lead with...
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The Unexpected Power of Building Trust Through Consistency and Transparency | Kyle Hagge of Morning Brew, Inc.
We sit down with Kyle Hagge, Chief of Staff to the CEO at Morning Brew Inc., to explore how one of the most influential modern media brands builds trust, loyalty, and engagement at scale. Kyle shares his perspective on the evolution of Morning Brew, why consistency and transparency are essential…
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The Surprising Shift in Talent Acquisition That Costs Companies Top Talent | Michelle Magnetti, Founder and Principal of Magneaux
Unlock the secret to transforming your organization through trust and leadership in this eye-opening episode with Michelle Magnetti, founder of Magneaux and wellness podcast co-host. She reveals how trust is the linchpin in recruitment, team engagement, and company culture; she shares practical...
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The Hidden Power of Accreditation: How Data Builds Public Trust in Higher Education | Dr. Laurie Shanderson, CEO of Accreditation Insights
Richard Roman sits down with higher education leader and accreditation expert Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Founder of Accreditation Insights, to unpack one of the most misunderstood forces shaping colleges and universities today: accreditation. From the Trump administration’s latest executive order...
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How Transparency and Consumer Choices Are Reshaping College Value | Ben Cecil, Third Way
In this episode, we focus once more on higher education policy. Ben Cecil of Third Way shares his perspective about accountability in higher education, public trust in colleges, student success, and the future impact of federal student aid. Ben explains why transparency, completion rates, and...
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Why Higher Education's Biggest Challenge Is Its Slow-to-Change Culture | Dr. Bridget Burns, University Innovation Alliance (UIA)
We sit down with Dr. Bridget Burns to explore how higher education can better serve students by redesigning institutions around trust, collaboration, and real outcomes. Bridget shares the personal experiences that shaped her commitment to higher ed, from growing up in rural Montana to discovering...
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How Authentic Influencer Marketing Builds Trust in a Skeptical Digital World | Christine Wilson, CEO of MtoM Consulting
Most brands are losing consumer trust because of inauthentic content, and they don’t even realize it. Christine Wilson is the founder of M2M Consulting. In this conversation, she reveals the counterintuitive approach that’s helping brands build genuine credibility and connect with younger...
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From Student Advocacy to Open Source AI: A Trust Story | Katie Steen-James, Open Source Initiative
Trust is under pressure across higher education, public policy, and emerging technology, and Katie Steen-James has spent her career working right in the middle of it. In this episode, Katie joins Richard Roman, Ph.D. to share what she’s learned from years of policy advocacy, student lobbying, and...
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The Real Leadership Secret: Building Community Starts with Personal Values | Erin Seheult, CEO of WITH Leadership
Most leadership advice focuses on charisma or titles, but the real secret to inspiring trust and authentic influence lies in simple, powerful habits you can start today. Erin Seheult, Ph.D. of WITH Leadership uncovers the four foundational habits of genuine leadership and how they enable you to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Fault Lines explores why trust breaks and how to rebuild it in organizations, leadership, communities, and public institutions. Hosted by Richard Roman, PhD, an expert in organizational leadership and trust strategy, the show translates research into actionable playbooks for senior leaders, consultants, and anyone navigating broken trust. Each episode features researchers, executives, and practitioners unpacking what actually works: workplace culture, team dynamics, institutional credibility, and civic trust. New episodes every week. Subscribe and start building trust where it matters most!
HOSTED BY
Richard Roman
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Fault Lines have?
Fault Lines currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Fault Lines about?
Fault Lines explores why trust breaks and how to rebuild it in organizations, leadership, communities, and public institutions. Hosted by Richard Roman, PhD, an expert in organizational leadership and trust strategy, the show translates research into actionable playbooks for senior leaders,...
How often does Fault Lines release new episodes?
Fault Lines has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Fault Lines?
You can listen to Fault Lines on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Fault Lines?
Fault Lines is created and hosted by Richard Roman.
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