Social Curiosity Podcast

What if the things you're counting on for happiness are the very things that could leave you empty? Most of us build our lives around a handful of sources — and never question what happens when one of them breaks down.Rob Bailey, author of The Happiness Inputs, joins the Social Curiosity Podcast to explore why narrowing your happiness to just a few sources is a recipe for emotional volatility — and what it looks like to intentionally broaden them. Rob shares the personal crucible that shaped his framework, including the compounding losses that forced him to rethink everything he thought he knew about joy. The conversation covers the difference between foundational and ancillary inputs, the hidden danger of negative inputs, and why community may be the most underinvested source of happiness in our lives.If you're ready to take honest inventory of where your joy is coming from — and where it's leaking — this one's for you.

From Necessary Being to Necessary Baby: Why Christmas Was Always ComingWhat if Christmas wasn't Plan B? What if the baby in the manger was always coming—not just prophesied, but inevitable?In this Christmas Eve episode, DeAngelo Burse explores the true meaning of Christmas through philosophy, theology, history, and anthropology. Starting with the ontological and cosmological arguments for God's existence, DeAngelo shows how God's necessary nature—perfectly holy and perfectly loving—made the incarnation inevitable.From the sacrificial system of ancient Israel to the manger in Bethlehem, discover how every piece of history pointed toward one necessary moment: when the infinite God took on human flesh to satisfy both justice and love.This isn't just a Christmas story. It's the story of why Christmas had to happen.Topics covered:The ontological argument for God's existenceCosmological arguments (horizontal and vertical)God's attributes: holiness, justice, and loveThe Old Testament sacrificial system and Day of AtonementThe incarnation and its necessityChrist as the ultimate sacrificePerfect for believers seeking deeper understanding and seekers exploring the claims of Christianity.

What if your stress isn't the problem—it's the message? In this powerful conversation, Princess Castleberry, author of The Truth Is in the Trigger, reveals why the very triggers driving your burnout might be the key to unlocking your greatest leadership potential.With over 20 years advising Fortune 500 companies on enterprise risk and crisis response, Princess has witnessed firsthand how unexamined stress triggers distort decision-making, erode trust, and quietly sabotage even the most capable leaders. But she's discovered something remarkable: when leaders learn to decode their triggers rather than suppress them, they unlock a new level of clarity, resilience, and impact.Through her Live, Lead, and Build Leverage™ framework, Princess shows us how to transform reactive leadership into intentional leadership—navigating high-stakes environments without sacrificing our humanity or integrity. We explore what conflict waste really costs your team, why decision fatigue is a narrative identity issue, and the one small step you can take today to disrupt chronic stress before it disrupts you.If you've ever felt constantly overextended, perpetually reactive, or on the edge of burnout, this conversation will change how you lead—and how you live.

What does it mean to lead with congruence? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with my brother Gabe Smith—West Point graduate, former Army officer, and Chief Operating Officer at Greenhouse Coaching—to explore the critical gap between who we say we are and who we actually show up as.Gabe opens up about his journey from the Pentagon on September 11th to the battlefields of Iraq, and how years of compartmentalizing trauma taught him that genuine leadership requires alignment between our deepest values and our daily actions. We dive into what he calls "congruent leadership"—the practice of closing the gap between our internal beliefs and external behavior.In this episode, you'll discover:The early warning signs that your values and actions are drifting out of syncHow faith, hope, and love can serve as a framework for evaluating your beliefsWhy congruence is a daily practice, not a one-time achievementThe one question you can ask yourself today to start living more authenticallyHow teams unlock extraordinary power when they achieve organizational alignmentIf you've ever felt like you're wearing a mask or living one story on the outside while experiencing something completely different within, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

What does it really take to thrive in a world where careers are changing faster than ever? In this thought-provoking episode of Social Curiosity, DeAngelo Burse sits down with Dr. Brandi Baldwin — founder and CEO of Millennial Ventures — for a candid conversation about leadership, identity, and the human side of the future of work.Dr. Brandi, creator of Taking on the Enemies of Our Future, challenges the outdated beliefs and hidden fears that quietly hold people back from growth. Together, she and DeAngelo explore what it means to lead your own life, how to stop “waiting to be chosen,” and why curiosity may be the most powerful skill we have in a rapidly changing world.Blending psychology, strategy, and storytelling, this conversation will inspire you to look inward, question what’s keeping you stuck, and reimagine how you show up in your work and relationships.🎙️ Tune in if you’re ready to:Rethink your approach to leadership and career growthDiscover the “hidden threats” sabotaging your potentialLearn how curiosity can help you pivot, evolve, and flourishBecause sometimes, the most important work we can do — is the work of becoming.

On this episode of Social Curiosity, host DeAngelo Burse welcomes the one and only Mike Goodwin — nationally acclaimed comedian, TEDx speaker, and humor coach known for his signature bowtie, clean comedy, and powerful storytelling.A standout on America’s Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, BET, Amazon Prime, SiriusXM, and the USO Europe Comedy Tour, Mike brings more than just laughs — he brings transformation. As an Army veteran, former educator with a master’s in education, and family man, Mike’s lived experience infuses his work with heart, insight, and purpose.In this candid conversation, Mike shares how he turned childhood tension into a lifelong superpower, how humor became his tool for survival and service, and why his “comedian’s mindset” — awareness, breathing, curiosity — is more than just a stage trick. It’s a life philosophy.Get ready for rich storytelling, unexpected laughter, and timely wisdom on healing through humor, owning your narrative, and leaving every room better than you found it.🎧 Listen in, stay socially curious, and rediscover the power of a well-timed laugh.

What if the secret to better leadership—and a better life—starts with interrogating yourself?In this powerful episode, former SWAT officer and detective turned leadership strategist Justin Atherton joins DeAngelo Burse to explore how high-pressure law enforcement principles can help us lead with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. As the Vice President of Proactive Leadership and founder of Confidence Unchained, Justin has dedicated his career to helping professionals challenge their inner dialogue and unlock peak performance—even under pressure.Together, they unpack:Why self-deception silently sabotages growthThe difference between helpful reflection and toxic self-criticismHow to “read your own rights” to quiet the inner criticTactical tools for cultivating mental clarity and emotional resilienceWhether you're leading a company, a classroom, or just trying to lead yourself better, this episode will challenge and equip you to think deeper, perform stronger, and flourish more fully.🎧 Tune in and get curious.—About the Guest:Justin Atherton is a TEDx speaker and former law enforcement veteran with over 18 years of experience in SWAT, investigations, and leadership. He’s the founder of Confidence Unchained, where he empowers leaders across industries to translate tactical discipline into professional excellence.

What if the most powerful shift in your life started with a single decision—to make the now non-negotiable?In this deeply moving episode of Social Curiosity, keynote speaker, best-selling author, and customer experience expert Katie Mares shares her incredible journey from crisis to calling. As a survivor of domestic abuse and a single mother of three, Katie didn’t just rebuild her life—she redefined it.Through raw storytelling, she reveals the moment her daughter looked into her eyes and reminded her of her strength—a moment that sparked a life of purpose, gratitude, and fearless action. From choosing faith over fear to teaching global brands how to create transformational experiences, Katie’s message is clear: your future begins with what you choose right now.This episode is an invitation to stop waiting, stop negotiating with your joy, and start living the life you were created for.Tune in now to feel inspired, empowered, and ready to reclaim your now.

In this episode of Social Curiosity, DeAngelo talks with Dr. Saswathi Natta—a social scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur whose unique journey includes a PhD in Sociology from the University of Maryland, a B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering, and a certificate in South Asian Studies from Princeton. Together, they explore the pivotal moments and key decisions that have shaped her path, how she approaches complex choices with intention, and what it means to navigate life using both an engineer’s mindset and a sociologist’s perspective. Dr. Natta shares thoughtful insights on making better decisions, even when the options aren't clear, and offers practical wisdom for anyone striving to live more deliberately.

In this special episode, we honor the life and work of the late Hank Thurmond IV—an applied psychologist who deeply explored the power of psychological boundaries and the troubling dynamics of mobbing, including the role of personality disorders. Recorded before his passing from cancer on April 16, 2025, Hank offers profound insight into how our deepest wounds can become sources of psychological gold. As a dear friend and brilliant mind, Hank left behind not only meaningful memories but also a legacy of wisdom that continues to inspire.

In this insightful episode of the Social Curiosity Podcast, DeAngelo and Dion Baker explore the transformative power of operational excellence (OpEx). Dion, an expert in organizational performance, shares his journey and groundbreaking perspectives on aligning business efficiency with human-centric values. From redefining operational excellence to emphasizing the significance of trust, communication, and intrinsic motivation in driving innovation, Dion presents a compelling case for creating workplaces that thrive on both efficiency and meaningful connections. This conversation challenges conventional corporate mindsets and offers practical strategies for leaders and individuals to foster excellence both professionally and personally.

Born in Ukraine, Anton Tyulyu faced a life-changing challenge when a rare reaction to the polio vaccine left him paralyzed. With unwavering support from his family, he learned to walk again using leg braces—turning adversity into strength.Fueled by gratitude and determination, Anton earned a degree in finance while embracing his love for the outdoors and music. Whether hiking trails or playing guitar, he lives with resilience and passion. Now, he shares his journey to inspire others, proving that with perseverance and support, any challenge can be overcome.

In this episode, DeAngelo breaks down the meaning behind the Social Curiosity Podcast and explores Aristotle’s idea that knowledge is valuable for its own sake. He shares why staying curious about others is essential for learning, growth, and connection while also expressing his unique mission to help people flourish.