The Unfolding Thought Podcast

In this episode, Eric talks with speaker, author, and improviser Avish Parashar about a deceptively simple idea that shapes how people respond to uncertainty, conflict, and change: the difference between “yes, but” and “yes, and.”Drawing from decades of improv comedy and corporate leadership work, Avish argues that most organizations misunderstand resistance to change. Leaders often assume people are stubborn or hostile, when in reality many employees are overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally exhausted. The real challenge is not forcing acceptance. It is transforming hesitation and apathy into genuine engagement.The conversation explores how language quietly shapes organizational culture. “Yes, but” narrows possibilities, reinforces defensiveness, and keeps people locked into existing assumptions. “Yes, and” creates space for curiosity, collaboration, and forward movement. The shift is not about blind agreement or toxic positivity. It is about responding to ideas with openness long enough to understand what people are actually trying to protect, solve, or accomplish.Eric and Avish also discuss psychological safety, change fatigue, creativity under constraint, and why many organizations accidentally suppress the very thinking they claim to want. They explore how uncertainty can become a source of innovation rather than fear, why resistance often hides deeper concerns, and how leaders can create environments where people feel safe enough to contribute honestly.At its core, this is a conversation about mindset. About the stories people tell themselves when circumstances change. And about the possibility that creativity, adaptability, and resilience are often less about talent than about learning how to respond differently to uncertainty.Topics Covered The difference between “yes, but” and “yes, and” Why organizations often misunderstand resistance to change The role of uncertainty and loss aversion in human behavior How improv comedy became a framework for leadership and communication Why many employees are not resistant, but apathetic or exhausted The psychology behind change hesitation and burnout How language shapes culture and collaboration Why psychological safety matters during organizational change The connection between creativity and uncertainty How constraints can increase innovation Why leaders should listen before persuading The dangers of shutting down ideas too early How to encourage more honest participation in teams The relationship between creativity, experimentation, and growth Why “yes, and” is a mindset rather than a literal phrase How organizations can move from change acceptance to change excitementEpisode Links Check out Avish’s book: https://avishparashar.com/say-yes-and-to-change/ Visit Avish’s website: https://avishparashar.comFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with writer and cultural commentator Helen Pluckrose about a pattern that shows up in universities, organizations, and public life: the slow shift from inquiry to certainty.Helen’s work began with a simple concern about the health of academic debate. Over time, that concern widened into a broader question about how ideas spread, harden, and eventually become resistant to criticism. The challenge is rarely malicious intent. More often, it begins with a desire to improve the world, followed by a gradual loss of skepticism about one’s own assumptions.The conversation explores how language shapes perception. Words that once described reality can quietly transform into moral signals. Concepts intended to promote fairness can become tools for shutting down disagreement. And when disagreement is framed as harm, institutions may begin protecting beliefs rather than testing them.They also discuss the psychological comfort of belonging to a moral community. Shared values create cohesion, but they can also create blind spots. When identity becomes tied to ideology, questioning an idea can feel like betraying a group. That emotional pressure makes it harder to admit uncertainty, revise beliefs, or acknowledge tradeoffs.At its core, this is a conversation about intellectual humility. About the discipline of staying curious even when an answer feels obvious. And about the responsibility to keep testing ideas, especially the ones we most want to be true.Topics Covered How ideas shift from open inquiry to unquestioned belief The role of language in shaping perception and moral judgment Why good intentions do not guarantee good outcomes The difference between disagreement and harm How moral certainty can suppress curiosity The psychological comfort of belonging to a shared ideology Why institutions sometimes protect beliefs instead of testing them The tension between social justice goals and open debate How identity can become fused with ideology The importance of intellectual humility in public discourse Why skepticism is a form of care, not hostility The risk of treating complex problems as morally simple How to create cultures that encourage disagreement without hostilityEpisode Links Read Helen’s writing on Substack: https://www.hpluckrose.com Explore Helen’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08GSPKP4M?ccs_id=56f8b1a6-fbea-4049-9c00-adaca09c1cf3For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with organization expert and educator Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365 and author of Escaping Quicksand, about a quiet assumption many people carry for years: if your home feels chaotic, the problem must be you.Lisa’s work began with closets, paperwork, and clutter. Over time, she noticed something deeper. The people she worked with were not lazy, careless, or unmotivated. They were operating without systems. Schools teach students how to manage classrooms. Businesses build processes to run operations. Yet households, which function as complex economic entities, are expected to run on instinct alone.The conversation explores how overwhelm builds slowly. Not because of a lack of effort, but because of invisible decisions accumulating over time. Many people spend their days reacting to whatever is urgent, cleaning the same spaces repeatedly, and carrying dozens of unfinished tasks in their heads. Without a structure to hold those responsibilities, the mental load keeps growing.They also discuss the idea that organization is not a personality trait. It is a skill. And like any skill, it can be taught. Systems externalize decisions, reduce cognitive strain, and create capacity for the moments when life becomes more demanding, such as caring for aging parents, managing multiple households, or navigating unexpected crises.At its core, this is a conversation about relief. About permission. And about recognizing that feeling overwhelmed is often a signal that the system is missing, not that the person is failing.Topics Covered Why overwhelm often comes from missing systems, not lack of discipline The difference between housework and household organization How invisible decisions create mental load over time Why organization must evolve across different life stages The concept of “Swiss cheese organizing” and order of operations How external systems reduce cognitive stress The role of executive function in managing a household Why people keep reorganizing the same spaces without making progress The hidden economic impact of running a household How organization creates capacity for unexpected life events Why organization is a learnable skill, not a personality trait The importance of organizing spaces that support you, not impress others How systems allow others to help when life becomes overwhelmingEpisode Links Check out Lisa’s upcoming book, Escaping Quicksand: https://organize365.com/escapingquicksand/ Listen to the Organize 365 podcast: https://organize365.com/podcast-landing-page/ Learn more about Organize 365: https://organize365.com Follow Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organize365/For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Kelly Monahan, organizational psychologist and author of Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership, about a reality many organizations are still struggling to face: the workplace changed faster than leadership practices did.For decades, leadership relied on proximity. You could see who was working, overhear conversations, and step in when problems emerged. Then remote and distributed work arrived at scale, followed quickly by artificial intelligence. The structures that once made leadership feel intuitive suddenly stopped working. Visibility disappeared. Informal feedback loops broke down. And many leaders discovered they did not actually know how to lead without physical presence.The conversation explores what distributed work reveals about human behavior. When distance increases, trust becomes more intentional. Communication becomes more deliberate. Culture becomes less about slogans and more about daily decisions. Technology can connect people instantly, yet it cannot replace clarity, accountability, or shared purpose.They also discuss the growing role of AI in shaping work. Generative tools can accelerate output and reduce friction, but they can also create new risks. When systems become more capable, leaders must become more thoughtful about judgment, ethics, and responsibility. The challenge is not learning new tools. The challenge is redesigning leadership for a world where work is no longer tied to a single place.At its core, this is a conversation about adaptation. About humility. And about the discipline of learning to lead in conditions that no longer resemble the past.Topics Covered Why distributed work exposes hidden weaknesses in leadership The difference between managing presence and managing outcomes How trust changes when teams are no longer co-located Why culture becomes more fragile as distance increases The leadership skills that matter more in remote environments The role of intentional communication in distributed teams How generative AI is reshaping expectations about productivity The risk of confusing efficiency with effectiveness Why leaders must redesign systems rather than rely on habits The importance of psychological safety in virtual environments What organizations lose when informal interaction disappears How leaders can create connection without physical proximity The shift from supervising work to enabling performanceEpisode Links Learn more about Kelly’s work: https://beyondthedesk.com Visit Kelly’s personal website: https://drkellymonahan.com Buy her book, Essential: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Distributed-Generative-Human-Powered-Leadership/dp/1394276583/ Watch Kelly’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23SYB8ZFEEIFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Kari Schneider, performance coach and co-author of The Human Algorithm, about a question that is becoming harder to ignore: what happens when technology advances faster than our ability to lead ourselves?Kari began her career coaching Olympic and professional athletes, where performance was measurable and the margin for error was small. Over time, she discovered that physical training alone was never enough. Athletes could have the best conditioning program in the world, yet still fail if their mindset, emotional state, or decision-making capacity was misaligned. That realization eventually carried her from the training facility into boardrooms, where the same patterns showed up in executives and organizations.The conversation explores how human performance actually works. Not as a steady upward line, but as cycles of effort and recovery. Most people assume they should always be improving, always producing, always pushing. Yet even elite athletes only peak once or twice a year. Sustainable performance requires strategic imbalance, deliberate recovery, and clarity about what matters most.They also discuss the role artificial intelligence is beginning to play in shaping behavior. AI can accelerate work and remove friction, but it can also bypass the struggle that builds capability. When answers arrive instantly, people risk losing the process of thinking, testing, and refining their own judgment. The danger is not the technology itself. The danger is becoming dependent on it before understanding who you are and what you stand for.At its core, this is a conversation about responsibility. About values. And about the discipline of developing self-mastery in a world that increasingly rewards speed over reflection.Topics Covered Why peak performance happens in cycles, not straight lines The concept of strategic imbalance and recovery How athletes and executives face the same performance pressures The hidden cost of constant productivity Decision fatigue and the role of structure and routine Why complexity kills motivation The difference between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness How AI can remove the struggle that builds capability The risk of outsourcing judgment to technology The importance of defining personal and organizational values Why self-mastery matters more than technical mastery How leaders can use AI without becoming dependent on it The relationship between resilience, effort, and fulfillmentEpisode Links Learn more about Kari: https://theempowered.ca Explore the book: https://thehumanalgorithm.ai/home Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karischneider/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_mpwrd/For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Chris Dyer, leadership expert and author of Moments That Matter, about a simple idea that most leaders miss: not every moment carries the same weight.Organizations often try to treat everything as urgent. Every meeting matters. Every email matters. Every interaction matters. The result is exhaustion and noise. Yet when people look back on their careers, their teams, or their leaders, they rarely remember the routine moments. They remember the times someone showed up when it truly counted.Chris shares the experience that sparked the book. After selling his company, former employees told him something unexpected. They did not talk about policies or processes. They talked about how the organization showed up during crises, personal losses, and difficult transitions. Those were the moments that defined the culture.The conversation explores how leaders can recognize these moments before they pass, why physical signals like anxiety or urgency often indicate that something meaningful is happening, and how organizations unintentionally erase important moments by standardizing every response. Most people are not failing because they lack effort. They are failing because they are spreading their attention evenly across things that are not equal.They also discuss culture as social learning, the danger of tolerating small deviations from standards, and the responsibility leaders carry to draw clear lines when something matters. When leaders show up decisively, people remember. When they do not, the absence is just as memorable.At its core, this is a conversation about discernment. About presence. And about the discipline of knowing when to step forward and when to get out of the way.Topics Covered Why people remember big moments, not routine interactions The difference between trying to be perfect and being present How leaders unintentionally dilute important moments Recognizing the physical signals that a moment matters Culture as a process of social learning Why standards are set by what leaders tolerate The danger of treating everything as urgent Showing up decisively when values are tested Supporting employees during crisis and transition Letting teams handle the small things on their own The role of visibility in building trust and reputation How organizations lose meaning when every response is standardized The discipline of choosing where to invest your attentionEpisode Links Learn more about Chris: https://chrisdyer.com Chris’ new book, Moments That Matter: https://chrisdyer.com/moments Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others-ebook/dp/B0058DRUV6/ The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Game-Business-Expanded-Updated/dp/B00UB28XJ2/ The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey: https://www.amazon.com/The-Inner-Game-of-Tennis-audiobook/dp/B0012FK22S/For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Lindsay McGregor, co-founder of Factor, about why most performance problems are not caused by individuals, but by the systems surrounding them.Lindsay has spent years studying motivation, culture, and performance inside organizations ranging from startups to global enterprises. Her work challenges a deeply ingrained instinct in leadership: the tendency to attribute failure to character rather than context. When something goes wrong, we look for someone to blame. Yet time and again, the evidence points somewhere else.The conversation explores how human beings naturally default to blaming individuals, even when the real issue is design. They discuss the hidden biases that shape workplace judgments, the danger of assuming we understand complex systems when we do not, and why meaningful performance improvement almost always requires changing the environment rather than pushing people harder.They also examine the role of artificial intelligence in accountability and coaching. Instead of replacing leaders, AI may function more like a scoreboard or personal trainer: a neutral mirror that helps people follow through on what they say matters.At its core, this is a conversation about humility. About curiosity. And about the discipline of looking past the obvious explanation to find the real cause.Topics Covered Why humans instinctively blame individuals instead of systems The concept of “blame bias” and the fundamental attribution error How the same person can succeed or fail depending on the environment The illusion of explanatory depth and why confidence can mask ignorance Why motivation often depends on having an interesting problem to solve The role of leadership in designing systems rather than managing behavior How AI can function as a coach rather than a replacement The difference between forcing effort and unlocking engagement Why repeated interaction builds understanding better than assumptions The danger of believing you understand complex work from a distance How collaboration and structure shape performance in remote teams The shift from managing people to designing environmentsEpisode Links Check out Lindsay’s company, Factor: https://www.factor.ai Learn more about the Illusion of Explanatory Depth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illusion_of_explanatory_depthFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World, about what leadership actually requires when the stakes are high and the pressure never stops.Lee’s path to running one of the most complex organizations in the world did not begin at Disney. He grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, worked as a banquet waiter, got fired, had his furniture confiscated by the sheriff, and spent years learning hard lessons at Hilton and Marriott before Disney ever called.The conversation explores the hidden foundations beneath visible success: discipline learned early, the turning point of mastering time management, the shift from being a strong manager to becoming a true leader, and the moment he realized that hiring great people and getting out of their way mattered more than personal control.They discuss psychological safety, the danger of becoming a bottleneck, the myth of being “too busy” to grow, and why nearly every business problem is ultimately a people problem. Lee shares why he now considers himself a teacher more than an executive, and why “training and enforcement” remain the backbone of excellence.At its core, this is a conversation about responsibility. In work. In family. In leadership. And in the quiet influence you have every single day.Topics Covered Growing up on a farm and learning discipline early Getting fired and rebuilding from scratch The career impact of mastering time management The difference between being a manager and being a leader Why most problems are people problems Hiring experts and resisting the urge to micromanage How leaders accidentally become bottlenecks Psychological safety and why fear destroys performance Letting go of past mistakes Training and enforcement as the path to excellence Managing like a mother: clarity, accountability, and care The weight of responsibility in both business and family Why influence is never neutralEpisode LinksVisit Lee’s website: https://www.leecockerell.comFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Bob Pritchett, founder of Logos Bible Software and longtime CEO of Faithlife, about what it actually takes to build something that lasts.Bob started writing and selling software in high school, launched Logos at 19 while working at Microsoft, and helped grow the company over nearly three decades before bringing in outside investors. Along the way, he navigated financial crises, rewrote the entire software platform multiple times, raised capital from friends and family, and carried the weight of personal guarantees while trying to build something durable.The conversation moves beyond startup mythology into the reality of ownership: the pressure of making payroll, the illusion of freedom, the difference between persistence and delusion, and the quiet advantages of operating in a narrow niche.They explore why most market predictions are unreliable, why perseverance matters more than total addressable market slides, and how strong points of view shape company culture over time.At its core, this is a conversation about the long game: how to think when you cannot predict the future, how to endure through technological shifts, and what it means to build with conviction rather than trend-chasing.Topics Covered Starting a software company at 19 Raising early capital from friends and family The psychological weight of investor money Why “freedom” in entrepreneurship is often misunderstood Making payroll during financial crisis Rewriting a software platform from scratch, three times Bootstrapping for nearly three decades The resilience of niche markets Why total addressable market slides are often misleading Persistence versus delusion in entrepreneurship Building culture through strong founder convictions The 28-year “overnight success”Links Bob Pritchett: https://bobpritchett.com Stewart Brand’s How Buildings Learn: https://www.amazon.com/How-Buildings-Learn-Happens-Theyre/dp/0140139966For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Coach Hill, founder of Financial Footwork and author of Train Your Money, about the hidden beliefs and behavioral patterns that shape our financial lives.Coach Hill approaches money the way a coach approaches movement: most problems are not about information, they are about habits. Drawing from her work as a financial coach, she explains why budgeting apps and spreadsheets rarely solve the deeper issue, and why sustainable change begins with how we think, feel, and act around money.The conversation explores how early narratives about scarcity, success, and security quietly influence adult financial decisions. They discuss why people often know what they “should” do but still struggle to do it, and how small, consistent behavioral shifts can compound into lasting financial confidence.Rather than framing money as a math problem, Coach Hill reframes it as a training process. Like any skill, it improves with awareness, repetition, and intentional practice.This is a grounded conversation for anyone who wants to feel more capable and less reactive when it comes to money.Topics Covered Why financial problems are often behavioral, not mathematical The difference between information and transformation How early money narratives shape adult decisions Why “just budget better” rarely works Training money like a skill instead of treating it like a crisis The emotional side of spending, saving, and investing Building confidence through small, repeatable actions Creating financial systems that reduce decision fatigueEpisode Links Get her book Train Your Money: https://trainyourmoney.com/ Financial Footwork: https://financialfootwork.com Financial Footwork on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialfootwork/ Coach Hill on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FINANCIALFOOTWORKFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Barbara Wittmann, founder of the Digital Wisdom Collective, about why digital transformation so often fails despite good intentions, smart leaders, and expensive technology.Barbara argues that most change initiatives don’t collapse at the top or the bottom of organizations. They collapse in what she calls “the juicy middle” — the layer where strategy meets execution, where quiet experts carry institutional knowledge, and where complexity actually gets absorbed or resisted.Drawing on more than 25 years in enterprise technology and transformation work, including time at SAP, Barbara explains why transformation is rarely a technology problem and almost always an orientation problem. Leaders add tools, frameworks, and methodologies, but fail to upgrade the human capacity for judgment, sense-making, and collective intelligence.The conversation explores why consultants often surface knowledge that already exists inside organizations, why the most valuable contributors are frequently overlooked or burned out, and how change accelerates when leaders identify and empower the right people rather than rolling out one-size-fits-all programs.Eric and Barbara also discuss trust, diversity, and community, drawing connections to Putnam’s research on social capital and to How We Talk Can Change the Way We Work. They examine why complaints often signal care rather than resistance, how reading the room is a critical leadership skill, and why transformation is better understood as evolution rather than a project.This is a grounded, experience-driven conversation for leaders navigating digital change, AI adoption, and organizational complexity — especially those who sense that progress depends less on new tools and more on how people think and work together.Topics Covered Why transformation fails in the “juicy middle” of organizations The difference between digital change and human evolution How quiet experts hold disproportionate influence and risk burning out Why consulting often reveals internal knowledge rather than replacing it Sense-making, judgment, and collective intelligence as leadership skills Complaints as signals of care, not just resistance Trust, diversity, and why belonging precedes collaboration Why methodology and tooling haven’t fixed transformation How leaders identify the coalition of the willing What AI reveals about human readiness rather than replacing itEpisode Links Barbara Wittmann and the Digital Wisdom Collective: https://www.digitalwisdomcollective.com Join Digital Wisdom Collective: https://digitalwisdomco.typeform.com/to/tJn0Hbsi Barbara’s Substack: https://digitalwisdomcollective.substack.com/ Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawittmann/ Join Barbara’s waitlist: Link coming soon Robert Putnam’s research on trust in diverse communities: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_D._Putnam How We Talk Can Change the Way We Work (Keegan & Lahey): https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Change-Work-Transformation/dp/B08BSY37HJ/For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Jesse Sprague, founder of EchoSpectra, about why wildfire risk isn’t primarily a firefighting problem, but a data, process, and decision-making problem.Jesse’s work sits at the intersection of geospatial science, field investigation, and real-world accountability. What begins as a conversation about wildfire mapping quickly expands into a deeper examination of how organizations handle risk, why more data can sometimes increase liability instead of clarity, and how many industries quietly avoid seeing what they are technically capable of measuring.They explore how wildfire investigators, insurers, utilities, and governments have historically relied on fragmented tools, handwritten notes, and disconnected systems and why that breaks down as fires become more frequent, more destructive, and more legally scrutinized. Jesse explains how EchoSpectra helps teams document fire behavior, fuels, and origin-and-cause evidence in ways that are defensible, collaborative, and scalable.Along the way, the conversation touches on pipeline safety, change detection, insurance economics, smoke as an unaccounted public health cost, and a recurring theme: ignoring information doesn’t eliminate responsibility. It only delays it.This is a grounded conversation about risk, systems, and what happens when reality outpaces the processes designed to manage it.Topics Covered Why wildfire risk is a data and process problem, not just a response problem How investigators document fire origin, spread, and behavior in the field The difference between collecting data and being able to act on it Why organizations sometimes avoid visibility to reduce perceived liability How geospatial intelligence changes wildfire prevention and litigation The hidden public health cost of wildfire smoke Parallels between wildfire risk, pipeline safety, and regulated industries “Choosing your hard” as a decision-making framework for leaders What scalable risk management actually requires in the real worldEpisode Links Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spatialdata/ Check out Jesse’s company: https://www.echospectra.com/ Email Jesse: [email protected] more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Bill Blankschaen, founder of StoryBuilders and author of Your Story Advantage, about why so many capable people feel called to do more, yet never take responsibility for acting on it.Bill shares his own transition from running a thriving private school to stepping into the uncertainty of writing, storytelling, and building a message-driven business. What looks like a career shift on the surface is really a deeper conversation about agency: why waiting for permission quietly drains momentum, and how clarity only emerges once people are willing to move.At the center of the discussion is the idea that stories don’t begin with tactics, platforms, or tools. They begin with ownership. Bill explains why meaningful messages stall when people underestimate the value of their experience, overestimate the risk of being seen, or look for certainty before taking action.The conversation also explores how storytelling actually works in practice. Not as clickbait or performance, but as a structured way to create attention, tension, credibility, and action without compromising integrity. Bill walks through the five core elements of effective storytelling, how intellectual property is developed responsibly, and why shortcuts like AI-generated content often weaken authority instead of building it.They also dig into the difference between creativity and routine, where AI can help and where it cannot, and why originality, effort, and alignment still matter more than speed.This is a grounded conversation for leaders, creators, and professionals who sense they’re capable of more, but feel stuck waiting for the “right moment” instead of choosing to move.Topics Covered Why most people wait to be picked instead of taking responsibility The hidden cost of staying comfortable in “good enough” work How clarity only comes after action, not before The difference between telling a story and owning a message Why credibility is built through effort, not visibility A practical five-part framework for effective storytelling Where AI helps creative work and where it undermines it Why shortcuts often weaken authority instead of accelerating it Building a message ecosystem that lasts beyond a single book or launchEpisode Links StoryBuilders: https://mystorybuilders.com/ StoryBuilders Method: https://mystorybuilders.com/storyFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Paul Slater, author of The AI Ready Human, about what it actually takes to stay valuable as AI quietly reshapes how work gets done.Paul has spent three decades at the intersection of humans and technology, from teaching people how to use their very first computers to writing more than twenty technical books at Microsoft. Today, his focus is on a harder question: what happens when technology changes faster than the human behaviors required to work well alongside it?The conversation explores why many professionals assume they’re “fine” because they’re busy, experienced, or technically competent, and why that assumption is increasingly dangerous. Paul argues that the biggest risk isn’t sudden disruption, but gradual irrelevance: continuing to work the same way while the nature of value creation shifts underneath us.At the center of the discussion is Paul’s framework for becoming an AI-ready human, built around seven foundational capabilities that compound over time, from basic readiness and control to resilience and adaptability. Rather than treating AI as a productivity hack, Paul reframes it as a forcing function that exposes weak habits, outdated mental models, and underdeveloped human skills.They also examine how past eras of work masked these gaps through structure and standardization, why those buffers no longer exist, and what it means to treat adaptability as a trainable discipline rather than a personality trait.This is a grounded, pragmatic conversation for people who sense that “keeping up” is no longer enough and want a clearer path to staying relevant in work that is changing whether they like it or not.Topics Covered Why AI exposes weak human systems rather than replacing strong ones The danger of gradual irrelevance versus sudden disruption What “AI-ready” really means beyond tools and prompts Why adaptability is the most important capability going forward How past work structures hid gaps in organization, control, and resilience The seven human capabilities that compound in an AI-driven world Why most professionals underinvest in the skills that matter most Treating behavior change as practice, not inspirationEpisode Links Paul’s website: https://paulslater.ai/ Paul’s newsletter and podcast, Humanity Working: https://www.humanityworking.net/ Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-slater/ Buy Paul’s book The AI-Ready Human: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GGF74215?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_AFHZ0PBDSACKZ2G27Z7HFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Kyle McDowell, bestselling author of Begin With WE and former Fortune 10 executive, about why most culture initiatives fail long before they reach execution.Kyle argues that culture doesn’t break down because leaders lack frameworks, values statements, or motivation. It breaks down because real change requires personal cost. Political capital. Short-term discomfort. The willingness to be exposed.The conversation centers on Kyle’s 10 WEs framework, not as a set of aspirational principles, but as daily practices that either show up in behavior or quietly die on the wall. Eric and Kyle explore which of the WEs are most often misunderstood, which ones are hardest to live out personally, and why leaders tend to turn culture frameworks into critiques of others rather than mirrors for themselves.They also dig into why so many people feel inspired after books, keynotes, and TED talks, yet fail to act, and how responsibility, not motivation, is the missing ingredient. Kyle reflects on decades of leadership experience, what has genuinely changed about work over time, and what hasn’t changed at all.This is a grounded, no-nonsense conversation for leaders who are serious about culture and honest enough to examine the cost of living it out.Topics Covered Why culture change fails without personal sacrifice The difference between values as posters and values as practices Which leadership behaviors quietly kill trust Why frameworks become weapons instead of mirrors The hidden cost of authenticity and vulnerability What transactional cultures look like in practice How leaders unintentionally block the change they want What hasn’t changed about leadership, despite decades of disruption The smallest daily behaviors that reshape culture over timeEpisode Links Kyle McDowell: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/ Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc/ Kyle McDowell Inc. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kylemcdowellinc/ Kyle McDowell on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellincFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Allen Thornburgh, a longtime marketing and fundraising leader who works with purpose-driven organizations to help them create experiences people actually care about.Allen shares why so many organizations plateau despite doing everything “right,” and how over-reliance on data can quietly suffocate imagination. Drawing on his work across Fortune 500 companies, faith-based nonprofits, and global humanitarian organizations, he explains why growth stalls when leaders treat people as data points instead of human beings with inner lives, stories, and desires.At the center of the conversation is imagination. Not as a buzzword, but as a practical leadership capacity. Allen describes how transformational work happens when organizations stop optimizing yesterday’s tactics and start designing meaningful experiences that reconnect people emotionally to a cause, mission, or brand.They explore why direct response and digital marketing are necessary but insufficient, how organizations can fall back in love with their audiences by actually listening to them, and why creating moments of connection matters more than incremental optimization. Allen also walks through his human-centered process for sourcing insight, co-creating with audiences, and building initiatives that evolve over time rather than burn out after a single launch.This is a grounded, experience-driven conversation for nonprofit leaders, marketers, founders, and executives who sense that growth problems are rarely technical and almost always human.Topics Covered Why imagination matters more than optimization How data-driven thinking can unintentionally limit growth The difference between treating people as audiences versus participants Why most organizations underestimate the power of experience Falling in love with your donors, customers, or supporters again How to design initiatives that grow over time instead of stalling The role of storytelling, fiction, and imagination in leadership Why meaningful connection outlasts clever tacticsEpisode Links Connect with Allen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-thornburgh/ Allen’s Illumination Community: https://makehistoric.com/community/For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Matthew Powell, fourth-generation steward of Century Companies, about what it means to build a business designed to last for decades rather than quarters.Matthew shares his path from Wall Street and investment banking into a 100+ year family enterprise, and how that transition reshaped how he thinks about leadership, success, and responsibility. At the center of the conversation is stewardship: the idea that leaders are temporarily borrowing an organization from future generations, not optimizing it for a quick exit.They explore why family businesses can think differently about people, profit, and time, and how long-term thinking changes everything from culture and governance to daily decision-making. Matthew explains Century’s operating pillars—stewardship, humanity, and compounding—and how those principles guide the company through growth, tension, and inevitable messiness.The conversation also moves beyond business mechanics into mortality, meaning, and the role work can play as one of the last true gathering places in modern life. Matthew reflects on loss, urgency, reading as a discipline, and why building a healthy work community may be one of the most practical ways leaders can have lasting impact.This is a thoughtful discussion for founders, CEOs, family business leaders, and anyone questioning whether success has to mean short-term wins at the expense of people and purpose.Topics Covered What it means to steward a company for future generations Why family businesses can play a longer game than public or private-equity-owned firms The difference between a business as a financial instrument and a work community Compounding as a leadership principle, not just a financial one The tension between love and profit, and why both are necessary How reading, reflection, and “daily vitamins” shape better decision-making Mortality, urgency, and why work is not a dress rehearsal Why leaders unintentionally drift into short-term thinking What healthy governance looks like in multi-generation companiesEpisode Links Century Companies: https://www.centurycompanies.com Matthew Powell’s website: https://www.matthewpowell.com Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwpowell/ Related conversation with Greg Bergdorf: https://unfoldingthought.com/greg-bergdorf-from-guitar-riffs-to-real-estate-pitches/For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Annalee Kruger, founder of CareRight Inc., longtime senior care consultant, and author of The Invisible Patient. Their conversation explores what family caregiving really looks like behind the scenes and why the people providing care often become the most overlooked ones in the system.Annalee draws from decades of experience working with families in crisis to explain how denial, lack of planning, and misunderstanding of aging and dementia compound stress for spouses and adult children. She shares why waiting until a medical emergency forces decisions almost always leads to worse outcomes, higher costs, and fractured relationships.They also unpack what an actual aging plan includes, why “aging in place” is more complex and expensive than most families expect, and how caregivers quietly sacrifice their health, careers, and relationships while trying to hold everything together.They cover: Why most families wait too long to plan and what triggers crisis mode What adult children commonly misunderstand about dementia and caregiving The hidden emotional, physical, and financial toll on family caregivers Why denial is often the biggest barrier to action What an aging plan really includes beyond paperwork How caregiver burnout shows up and why it’s so often ignored The role of neutral third parties in preventing family conflict How planning restores dignity, agency, and sustainability for everyone involvedThis is a grounded, practical conversation for anyone caring for aging parents, supporting a spouse, or trying to understand what caregiving actually demands over time.Episode Links Annalee Kruger’s company, CareRight Inc.: https://carerightinc.com Connect with Annalee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaleekruger/ The Invisible Patient by Annalee Kruger: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Patient-Emotional-Financial-Caregivers/dp/B09QC9D1PM/For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Axel Burlin, author of Beyond Brain Rot, about internet addiction, algorithmic feeds, and why so many well-intentioned attempts to “use your phone less” quietly fail.Axel shares his own experience growing up online, from video games and forums to endless scrolling, and how a breaking point during college led him to rethink not just his habits but the assumptions behind them. Rather than relying on willpower, blockers, or dopamine detoxes, Axel outlines a mindset-level shift that reframes algorithmic feeds as something fundamentally misaligned with how we want to live.The conversation explores how modern platforms quietly replace boredom, reflection, and community with hyper-stimulating content that feels productive in the moment and hollow afterward. Eric and Axel also discuss responsibility versus system-level blame, how brain rot differs from ordinary distraction, and what it looks like to keep the useful parts of the internet while removing the rest.They cover: What “brain rot” actually refers to, both the content and the outcome Why algorithmic feeds are different from intentional internet use How gaming, social media, and short-form video hook attention differently Why most screen-time fixes fail after a few days The hidden opportunity cost of scrolling How feeds contribute to loneliness and the erosion of community Practical ways to remove algorithmic entertainment without going offline What a healthier relationship with technology looks like day to dayThis episode is a grounded conversation for anyone who senses they’re spending too much time online but hasn’t found an approach that actually sticks.Episode Links Axel Burlin: https://www.beyondbrainrot.com Follow Axel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axel.burlin/ Beyond Brain Rot (Axel’s book): https://www.beyondbrainrot.com The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt): https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/B0C9N2L56X Bowling Alone (Robert D. Putnam): https://www.amazon.com/Bowling-Alone-Robert-D-Putnam-audiobook/dp/B01N94FW0P Alienated America (Timothy P. Carney): https://www.amazon.com/Alienated-America-audiobook/dp/B07MDLH6WBFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Ken Boynton—storyteller, communication consultant, former actor and voiceover artist, and co-founder of Message Glue. Ken has spent decades helping leaders, teams, and organizations communicate more clearly and more humanly across stages, screens, meetings, and moments that matter.The conversation explores what “storytelling” actually means in real organizational life, why most communication fails before it ever reaches the slide deck or script, and how performance anxiety, rigid frameworks, and over-engineered systems often get in the way of genuine connection.Ken shares stories from his career in theater, voice acting, corporate events, and executive coaching, including how near-death illness reshaped his sense of meaning and led to the creation of Message Glue. Together, he and Eric unpack why being thoughtful matters more than being polished, why listening is harder than speaking, and how effective communication starts with allowing people to be themselves.They cover: Why storytelling is less about structure and more about perspective The difference between performing and communicating How over-reliance on slides, scripts, and systems breaks human connection Why “being yourself” is not vague advice but a practical discipline What theater, improv, and acting teach us about leadership communication How virtual and live events have changed attention and expectations Why good communication often means removing friction, not adding tools How fear, self-consciousness, and power dynamics distort messages What it means to swing the camera and see from another point of viewThis is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for leaders, communicators, marketers, facilitators, and anyone who spends time trying to help ideas land with other humans.Episode Links Connect with Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenboyntonmessageglue/ Message Glue: https://www.messageglue.com Message Glue storytelling video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml03wwZ1LFA Ken’s book Blip: https://amzn.to/4oMO3wv Jerry Seinfeld’s stand-up special I’m Telling You for the Last Time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27m_Telling_You_for_the_Last_TimeFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Peter Greer—President & CEO of HOPE International, longtime practitioner in global poverty alleviation, and author/co-author of eighteen books including Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, and How Leaders Lose Their Way. The conversation goes deep into what poverty really is, why traditional aid often fails to produce lasting change, and how dignity-centered development can transform individuals and communities.Peter shares how HOPE International focuses on long-term job creation, savings groups, and microenterprise rather than handouts, and why understanding the full “four domains of poverty”—material, social, spiritual, and internal—shapes more effective solutions. He and Eric also talk about how people change, what most donors misunderstand about impact, and why genuine transformation has to be built with communities rather than for them.They cover: The pitfalls of short-term aid and why jobs are essential to lasting change Why poverty is about far more than lack of money How dignity, agency, and community alter long-term outcomes The tension between simple fundraising messages and complex development models Why “external engineering” fails without local ownership How to stay hopeful while working in places of deep need Practical ways individuals can engage without becoming overwhelmed What it means to match compassion with critical thinkingThis is a grounded, clear-eyed discussion for anyone interested in meaningful impact—leaders, donors, nonprofit professionals, and anyone thinking about how change really happens.Episode Links Peter Greer: https://www.peterkgreer.com HOPE International: https://www.hopeinternational.org Follow Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkgreer/ The conversation with Coach Rory O’Neill: https://unfoldingthought.com/rory-oneill-inside-the-matrix-of-american-youth-soccer/ The White Man’s Burden (William Easterly): https://amzn.to/4nlBmr9 Jeffrey Sachs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Sachs The conversation with fundraising copywriter Jeff Meredith: https://unfoldingthought.com/jeff-meredith-the-stories-behind-homelessness/ The conversation with nonprofit executive director Andy Bales: https://unfoldingthought.com/20-andy-bales-from-poverty-to-purpose/ Timothy P. Carney’s Alienated America: https://amzn.to/4rqSfnAFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Tamsen Webster—message designer, strategist, speaker, and author of Find Your Red Thread and Say What They Can’t Unhear. The conversation explores how ideas spread, why so many messages fail at the point of first explanation, and what it takes to create understanding and lasting change without coercion.Tamsen explains her work as an “English-to-English translator,” helping leaders, founders, and thinkers transform complex or technical ideas into something others can understand, believe, and act on. She and Eric dig into dual-process thinking, accelerated perspective shifts, how adults actually learn, and why messaging must speak to both the analytic and automatic parts of the mind.They cover: Why most ideas break at the moment they’re first explained The role of intuition, felt experience, and the “automatic brain” in making meaning Why storytelling works, and why it’s not enough without a clear underlying argument How foundational principles (axioms, first principles, endoxa) create common ground Why leaders and founders need a reasoning model (ITBA) and a narrative model (Red Thread) What Tamsen is learning from her doctoral research in adult learning and accelerated perspective change How to avoid triggering resistance while preserving agency, transparency, and consent Why some changes happen instantly while others require long processes—and what makes the differenceThis episode is a deep look at how people understand new ideas, how belief shifts happen, and how to communicate change in a way that sticks.Episode Links Tamsen Webster: https://tamsenwebster.com Message Design Institute: https://messagedesigninstitute.com Find Your Red Thread: https://amzn.to/3Kn9yVW Say What They Can’t Unhear: https://amzn.to/49MFWf3 Follow Tamsen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsenwebster/ Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: https://amzn.to/48FMHif Owen Fitzpatrick: https://owenfitzpatrick.com How Minds Change by David McRaney: https://amzn.to/49bMMKD The Ancient Art of Thinking for Yourself by Robin Reames: https://amzn.to/3IUtBurFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode, Eric talks with Jason Keath—founder of Social Fresh, longtime creative strategist, and author of The Case for More Bad Ideas. The conversation explores why creativity is misunderstood, why most organizations limit their own creative potential, and why truly inventive work comes from consistent practice rather than inspiration.Jason explains how he approaches idea generation, why “bad ideas” matter, and what people get wrong about brainstorming. Eric and Jason also dig into discipline vs. inspiration, the value of keeping an organized idea archive, how constraints unlock better work, and how AI fits into the creative process.They cover: The counterintuitive nature of creativity Why variety, environment, and “brushing up against life” matter How Jason uses lists, patterns, and saved ideas Why most corporate brainstorms underperform How to bring more creative permission into your team The difference between creative insight and creative execution How AI can help and why it falls short without human directionWhether you’re a marketer, writer, strategist, or just someone trying to think more creatively, this conversation gives you a grounded, practical way to strengthen your creative practice.Episode Links Jason Keath: https://jasonkeath.com Social Fresh: https://socialfresh.com More Bad Ideas newsletter: https://www.morebadideas.com The Case for More Bad Ideas (Jason’s book): https://amzn.to/3XFah82 Jason’s article “How To Be More Creative”: https://jasonkeath.com/more-creative/ Seinfeld on the Pop-Tart joke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itWxXyCfW5sFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum talks with strategist and thinker Steve Kozel about the tension between our craving for certainty and the messy reality of complex systems. Steve—Director of Strategy and Marketing Technology at Osborne Barr Paramore—shares what he’s learned from years helping organizations make better decisions in conditions that can never be fully predicted.They explore what strategy actually means (and why the word itself often obscures more than it clarifies), how fear and risk aversion shape corporate culture, and why “best practices” often kill the very innovation they promise to protect. The conversation moves from agency life to complexity science, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, Ken Wilber’s idea of “transcend and include,” and the cultural fragmentation of modern life. Together, they examine how individuals and organizations can think—and act—more clearly when faced with uncertainty.Topics Explored: The many “altitudes” of strategy — and why most strategists never reach the highest one Why true strategy demands choice and risk How fear of failure and craving for certainty distort business decisions The contradiction of wanting scientific proof while avoiding experimentation Lessons from complexity science and why interdependence can lead to stagnation The shift from geographic to affinity-based communities and what that means for culture Identity, ideology, and the loss of foundational “pace layers” in modern life What Plato, Roger Martin, and Ken Wilber can teach us about thinking in systemsLinks: Steve Kozel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevekozel/ Richard Rummelt – Good Strategy Bad Strategy: https://amzn.to/3JckbKJ Roger Martin – Playing to Win: https://rogerlmartin.com Robert Wright – Non-Zero: The Logic of Human Destiny: https://amzn.to/4nOuLXtFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum talks with Greg Bergdorf—founding guitarist of the Grammy-nominated, gold-record band Zebrahead—about creativity, reinvention, and the mindset behind mastering more than one craft.Greg reflects on his journey from garage rehearsals and backyard keggers to international tours, and what it was like to walk away from fame to build a new life in real estate. He shares how lessons from music—persistence, collaboration, and curiosity—translate into success in any field, and why hard work still beats talent when the two meet on stage or in business.From building one of the first fan email lists in the mid-’90s to producing independent films and mentoring new musicians, Greg shows how reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about carrying your mindset forward.Topics Explored: Learning persistence and adaptability through music How early marketing instincts (fan mailing lists, DIY promo) shaped later business success Transitioning from global touring to local business life The balance between art, family, and self-identity Lessons from producing music and coaching creativity Teaching the next generation: work ethic, passion, and patienceLinks: Greg’s website: https://www.gregbergdorf.com The Bourbon Brothers Band: https://bourbonbrothersband.com Connect with Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greg_bergdorf Zebrahead official site: https://www.zebrahead.com Episode with Ryan Hogan: https://unfoldingthought.com/36-ryan-hogan-the-recruiting-industry-is-broken/For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum talks with Dr. Lance Mortlock—Managing Partner for Industrials & Energy at EY Canada, adjunct professor, and author of Outside In, Inside Out and Disaster Proof. Together they explore how leaders can create clarity and resilience in a world defined by uncertainty, disruption, and accelerating change.Lance shares what decades of advising executives have taught him about why most strategies fail—not because they’re wrong, but because they’re poorly executed—and how his “diamond framework” helps organizations balance external insight with internal capability. The conversation ranges from the evolution of AI and scenario planning to why balance, adaptability, and courage define the best leaders and companies.Topics Covered How Lance’s work as a strategist and adjunct professor shaped his writing The continuing impact of AI on organizational design and decision-making Why humans remain essential for understanding—beyond data and knowledge The “Outside-In / Inside-Out” diamond framework for strategy and execution The role of balance: vertical (external vs. internal) and horizontal (strategy vs. execution) Why 90% of strategies fail and what great companies do differently How resilience and adaptability separate good organizations from great ones Lessons from Hari Budha Magar’s Everest climb on leadership and perseveranceResources Mentioned Visit Lance Mortlock’s website: https://www.lancemortlock.com Follow Lance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lance-mortlock-01b36b22/ Lance’s first book Disaster Proof: https://amzn.to/4qDroV0 Lance’s most recent book Outside In, Inside Out: https://amzn.to/47rsXOm James Barrat’s Our Final Invention: https://amzn.to/43UqMk0 Nick Bostrom’s Superintelligence: https://amzn.to/4osxsOA Max Tegmark’s Life 3.0: https://amzn.to/3WIThNJ Double amputee Hari Magar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Budha_MagarFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Mitch Joel — entrepreneur, author of Six Pixels of Separation and CTRL ALT Delete, and host of the podcasts Thinking with Mitch Joel and Groove: The No Treble Podcast. Mitch shares his perspective on entrepreneurship, creativity, and why “success is the anomaly.”They explore how Thinkers One is democratizing access to thought leadership, why change—not stasis—is the natural state of business and culture, and how our relationship with technology and media shapes what it means to be “social.” Mitch also reflects on his decades-long journey across marketing, music, and digital innovation — and how curiosity, humility, and a willingness to “show your work” are essential to staying relevant in a world that never stops shifting.Topics Explored: The myth of the “entrepreneurial mindset” and why success can’t be replicated Why Thinkers One exists and how it redefines access to expert thinking Escaping stasis: how to stay curious and open to change The balance between longform depth and shortform accessibility The philosophy behind Thinking with Mitch Joel and the art of asking better questions What creativity and bass playing have in common How to rethink “social” in an age of constant screensLinks: Mitch Joel’s website: https://www.mitchjoel.com Thinking with Mitch Joel podcast: https://thinkersone.com/blogs/six-pixels-of-separation-podcast Groove: The No Treble Podcast: https://www.notreble.com/podcast/ Thinkers One: https://thinkersone.com Mitch’s Six Pixels of Separation: https://amzn.to/4qDUJyx Mitch’s Ctrl Alt Delete: https://amzn.to/436zVWC Susan Orlean on writing: https://www.susanorlean.com Empathy and fiction study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3559433/ Patrick Tanguay: https://pkty.ca Tom Webster’s The Audience Listening: https://amzn.to/4qvmJ7w Colman Swisher’s appearance on From There to Here: https://boldrfutures.com/from-there-to-here-podcast-featuring-colman-swisher/ Jess Villegas’ The Leader’s Commute: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leaders-commute-podcast/id1712720351For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Rory O’Neill—emergency physician, coach, and creator of the Coach Rory Soccer YouTube channel (with more than 50,000 subscribers). Rory blends the discipline of medicine with the craft of player development, offering a rare dual perspective on learning, leadership, and what’s broken in U.S. youth soccer.They discuss how early habits from baseball shaped Rory’s approach to medicine and coaching, why building from the back isn’t just a tactic but a philosophy of learning, and how systemic incentives—money, structure, and culture—are distorting development in the U.S. game.From the economics of clubs to the myths of burnout and multi-sport participation, Rory unpacks what he calls “the matrix” of American soccer and why true progress may depend less on talent than on how—and why—we teach.Topics Explored How baseball and discipline shaped Rory’s medical and coaching philosophies Why player development in the U.S. is structurally misaligned The hidden incentives driving youth clubs and closed-league systems What “promotion and relegation” actually mean for development Objective vs. subjective measures of progress in coaching The myth of burnout and the debate over single-sport specialization How cultural context (Argentina, Iceland, England) changes the meaning of “fun” and “work” in youth sports What it really means to “wake up and see the matrix” of American soccerLinks Rory O’Neill’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachRorySoccer Rory’s club Keystone FC: https://www.keystonefc.com Rory’s corners video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EWg8v6PUp8 Rory’s 3Four3 podcast appearances: https://343coaching.com/podcast/soccer-by-3four3/ep-344-rory-oneill-how-to-discern-well-coached-teams-from-the-rest/ & https://343coaching.com/podcast/soccer-by-3four3/ep-367-us-coaching-licenses-another-credentialism-scam-or-education/ How UEFA is funded: https://www.uefa.com/running-competitions/financial-distribution/our-business-model/ Rory’s video “The Do’s and Don’ts of Soccer Parenting”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLRkOW-v-ckFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Jeff Meredith, Associate Creative Director at RKD Group and longtime writer for rescue missions across the U.S. Over the past two decades, Jeff has interviewed more than a thousand people who’ve experienced homelessness, addiction, and recovery—gaining rare insight into what drives collapse and what makes renewal possible.Jeff shares what he’s learned from the front lines of homelessness: how family breakdown, trauma, and addiction often intersect; why accountability and forgiveness are essential to recovery; and what the most successful rescue missions do differently. This is a grounded, compassionate look at the human stories behind one of America’s most complex social challenges.Topics Explored The changing face of homelessness—and why women are now the fastest-growing group What drives addiction and how recovery really works How childhood trauma and family breakdown shape adult outcomes The interplay of mental illness, accountability, and hope Why recovery requires both compassion and structure How faith-based missions rebuild lives physically, emotionally, and spirituallyLinks Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-meredith-ab97b34/ Episode with Andy Bales: https://unfoldingthought.com/20-andy-bales-from-poverty-to-purpose/ The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease: https://amzn.to/4nl7MTa $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America: https://amzn.to/46yZPEkFor more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Bob Hoffman — author of Adscam and The Ad Contrarian — about the uncomfortable truths at the heart of digital advertising.Bob explains how adtech evolved into one of the largest surveillance systems ever built, why marketers mistake data quantity for quality, and how political deregulation is quietly eroding online privacy.They unpack the illusion of precision in behavioral targeting, the billions lost to fraud and waste, and why empathy and ethics—not algorithms—may be the only path to rebuilding trust between brands and the public.Topics Explored How real-time bidding turns personal data into a global broadcast Why the online ad economy rewards fraud more than performance The quiet rollback of digital-privacy protections in the U.S. How measurement and “attribution” distort both marketing and democracy What Arielle Garcia’s revelations say about Google’s control of ad trade groups Why marketers keep believing in bad numbers What honest advertising might look like in a post-surveillance worldLinks Bob’s website – https://www.bobhoffmanswebsite.com Irish Council for Civil Liberties report on real-time bidding – https://www.iccl.ie/news/iccl-report-on-the-scale-of-real-time-bidding-data-broadcasts-in-the-u-s-and-europe/ Arielle Garcia article – https://www.mi-3.com.au/18-06-2024/ex-um-privacy-chief-lifts-lid-google-has-captured-trade-associations-and-holdcos Pentagon Pizza Twitter story – https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/16/pentagon-pizza-account-israel-iran-attack/84229144007/ Don McMillan video, How Marketers Twist Statistics – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbOpD2b55s4For more episodes, visit unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Martin Bihl — writer, strategist, podcaster, and self-described “recovering ad man.” Known for his sharp wit and reflective takes on marketing, media, and the human condition, Martin challenges conventional thinking about creativity, capitalism, and the culture of business.The conversation explores how advertising both reflects and shapes our shared values — from branded playgrounds to the myth of the “creative genius.” Martin shares his experience navigating agency life, why he created The Agency Review to critique the industry from within, and how his contrarian curiosity fuels his writing and podcast You’re On Mute.Together, they discuss the interplay between thinking and doing, why “strategy” has become theater, and what we might learn by viewing business less as a machine and more as a story — one that tells us who we are and what we believe.Topics Explored Why marketing isn’t just persuasion — it’s identity construction How capitalism commodifies attention, meaning, and play The myth of the “creative” and the illusion of originality Why the line between art, commerce, and morality keeps blurring The difference between thinking strategically and theatrically How irony and sincerity coexist in modern branding The role of critique — and why we need more of it inside the industryLinks Connect with Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbihl/ Visit Martin’s website: https://www.martinbihl.com The Agency Review: https://the-agency-review.com Martin’s article on thinking and doing: https://www.martinbihl.com/business-thinking/i-think-i-can-alternative-business-strategy McDonald’s milkshake story by Clayton Christensen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXYm-CVzPQ0 You’re On Mute podcast: https://www.martinbihl.com/youreonmutethepodcastFor More EpisodesVisit: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Neen James—leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Attention Pays and the soon-to-be-released Exceptional Experiences. Known for her “sassy Aussie energy” and straight-talk frameworks, Neen challenges traditional ideas of luxury, arguing that it’s not about money or things but about moments of human connection.She explains the research behind the four luxury mindsets, why empathy and conscientiousness matter for leadership, and how small, repeatable acts of attention can create what she calls “champagne moments.” From systemizing thoughtfulness in everyday life to thinking like a concierge instead of a bellhop, Neen reveals practical ways to elevate both client experiences and team culture.Topics Explored: Why luxury is less about expense and more about experience The four luxury mindsets and how they shape behavior How empathy and attention underpin exceptional experiences The role of conscientiousness and systemized thoughtfulness Scaling luxury: making exceptional experiences profitable and practical Creating “champagne moments” in daily leadership and lifeLinks: Pre-order Neen’s book Exceptional Experiences: https://neenjames.com/books/ Get Neen’s first book Folding Time for free: https://neenjames.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Book-Folding-Time-NeenJames.pdf Find all of Neen’s research and resources about luxury mindsets: https://luxuryisamindset.com The Business Meditations Neen mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-WyDzPVJzUqWSGGIM0lSxqk4T-TBmsrQ The discussion with Alan Fine: https://unfoldingthought.com/28-alan-fine-exploring-the-inner-game-to-grow/For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Tara Hamberger, founder and CEO of RootedCare+, about her mission to provide 24/7, text-based support to unpaid family caregivers.Tara shares the personal caregiving experiences that led her to launch RootedCare+, why she chose SMS over apps, and how Roo, their compassionate AI assistant, delivers emotional support, resource guidance, and even microgrants. She explains the challenges of designing AI for empathy, the importance of accessibility in tech for caregivers, and how RootedCare+’s funding model directly fuels aid for those who need it most.Topics Explored: How personal caregiving challenges shaped the creation of RootedCare+ Designing emotionally intelligent AI that can respond in real time Why SMS can be the most accessible tech for overstretched caregivers The role of microgrants in preventing burnout and sustaining care Building a social enterprise that reinvests in the community it servesLinks: Connect with Tara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraliana/ Learn more about RootedCare+: https://rootedcare.plus Study on poverty impeding cognitive function: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1238041 Check out the discussion with Juli Rush about grief and the death of the future: https://unfoldingthought.com/21-juli-rush-foresight-grief-and-the-courage-to-let-futures-end/Have a recommendation? A question? Contact Eric: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Rob Gallaher about the profit sharing system he built after starting and scaling multiple businesses. Rob walks through his early missteps with quarterly bonuses, why behavior did not change, and the simple changes that did move the needle: monthly payouts, a meaningful minimum threshold, and consistent communication that teaches people how daily decisions affect profit. He explains how to align owners and teams, what to show the team, and how profit sharing can free an owner to step back without the business slipping.Topics Explored: Why traditional bonuses fail to change behavior The three pillars that make profit sharing work: a regular cadence, a real-dollar threshold, and strategic communication Showing the team job profit percentages and using that data to learn and improve together Turning “clock punchers” into profit-minded decision makers Implementing in months instead of years and avoiding common mistakes How the right system lets owners step away without chaosLinks: Rob Gallaher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgallaher/ Rob Gallaher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertgallaher/ Rob’s website: https://profitx.co Gallaher Company: http://gallaherco.com Rob’s book: Profit Sharing: The Power of Shared Success https://amzn.to/47wVbHL Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://amzn.to/3IoQlCj Study on ready fiction influencing empathy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3559433/For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comQuestions or guest ideas: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Colman Swisher, former CIO of an international healthcare logistics company, about his unexpected journey from being the first technology hire to leading a fight against private equity–driven decisions.Colman shares how he built critical systems from the ground up—transforming operations that once ran on little more than email into a fully integrated, data-driven logistics network. He explains what it’s like to navigate the high-stakes world of medical supply chain, why private equity ownership can create systemic risk, and how values-based leadership can hold the line against purely financial motives.Topics Explored: Building tech infrastructure in a mission-critical industry from scratch The unique pressures of transporting life-saving medical products How private equity can undermine operational stability Strategies for resisting short-termism while protecting customers and teams Lessons in leadership from scaling a high-stakes logistics businessLinks: Connect with Colman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colman-swisher/ Check out Colman’s business Boldr Futures: https://boldrfutures.com Listen to the conversation with Colman’s business partner Jeremy Nulik: https://unfoldingthought.com/jeremy-nulik-how-vision-shapes-strategy/ Check out Value Builder: https://valuebuilder.comHave a recommendation? A question? Contact Eric: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Shawn Kemp, a product leader, startup advisor, and artist whose journey spans the worlds of technology, entrepreneurship, and creative expression. From his early days at Microsoft working on Xbox and Silverlight, to co-founding mission-driven companies and engaging deeply with food systems and transparency, Shawn brings a rare blend of systems thinking and emotional insight.Shawn opens up about the impact of early trauma, the pursuit of success, and the ways he’s learned to prioritize meaning and presence over prestige. He shares his current focus on creativity—not as a career pivot, but as an honest way to process and express the messiness of life.Topics Explored: Reconciling Past and Present: How early experiences shape identity Creativity as Meaning-Making: Art as a tool, not just an output Food Systems and Transparency Letting Go of Performative Success and Pursuing FulfillmentLinks: Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnkemp/ Shawn’s art: https://shawnkemp.art The Non-GMO Project: https://www.nongmoproject.org The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: https://amzn.to/45XbkW8 Educated by Tara Westover: https://amzn.to/4e9aOqj J Allard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jallard529/ Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshmigopalkrishnan/ Bext360: https://www.bext360.com/ Clarence Birdseye: https://amzn.to/3TsCg8O No More Gold Stars: https://amzn.to/3TsNJ8kFor more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Bob Knorpp, consultant, speaker, and longtime host of The Beancast, one of the earliest and longest-running marketing podcasts. Bob brings a sharp perspective on how podcasting, advertising, and marketing have evolved over the last two decades—and what hasn’t changed.Bob shares his journey from agency life to running a consultancy and hosting a podcast that has endured since 2008. He explains why format and consistency matter more than chasing trends, why authenticity always beats adtech gimmicks, and why we should think differently about metrics—shifting from scale to influence, from quick wins to long-term impact.We also explore mental models behind podcasting and marketing: why executives misunderstand podcasts as a “numbers game,” how creators can navigate between art and business, and what it really means to build an audience today.Topics Explored: Bob’s journey from agency CEO to podcast host and consultant Why The Beancast has endured with minimal format changes since 2008 The tension between scale, influence, and long-term success in podcasting Why authentic host-read ads outperform pixel-driven dynamic ads The trap of executives demanding short-term ROI from long-form mediums How audience commitment differs between podcasts and social media Mental models: how marketers and business leaders frame (and often misframe) the value of podcastsLinks: Visit Bob’s website: https://www.thebeancast.com Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knorpp/

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum is joined by Courtney McAra, founder of Mustang MarTech, to explore the art and science of marketing operations. Courtney shares her journey from a startup generalist to a highly specialized marketing ops consultant who’s helped teams at places like SurveyMonkey and Marketo bring order to chaos.She breaks down the critical components of a functioning marketing operations infrastructure—from clean folder structures and naming conventions to lifecycle management, compliance, and campaign execution. Courtney also discusses the real-world challenges teams face when scaling their MarTech stacks and offers practical advice for avoiding common pitfalls.Whether you’re deep in the weeds of a Marketo instance or trying to align marketing with sales and product, this episode is full of useful, actionable insights.Topics Explored: Courtney’s Journey: From lean startup teams to SurveyMonkey and Mustang MarTech What Marketing Ops Really Is—and Why It Matters Taming Wild Databases: Clean architecture, folder structure, and segmentation Lifecycle Strategy: Lead scoring, prioritization, and CRM integration The Mustang Methodology: Cloneable, scalable, and measurable frameworks Why Good Ops is Invisible but Critical The Human Side of MOps: Communication, trust, and long-term collaboration MarTech in 2025: Trends, AI tools, and the expanding MOps ecosystemLinks: Courtney’s Company – https://www.mustangmartech.com Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneymcara/ Scott Brinker’s MarTech Landscape – https://chiefmartec.com/2025/05/2025-marketing-technology-landscape-supergraphic-100x-growth-since-2011-but-now-with-ai/ MOps-Apalooza – https://mopsapalooza.comFor more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Michael Whitmer, Vice President at Look East and a longtime strategist in the food and agriculture space. Michael has spent more than two decades helping food brands and commodity organizations communicate clearly, build credibility, and connect with consumers on what matters most.They discuss how food intersects with identity, why consumer trust in institutions has eroded, and how organizations can communicate values—not just facts—to earn that trust back. Michael shares lessons from his work with the Illinois Soybean Association, The Center for Food Integrity, and other organizations shaping the future of food production and sustainability.Topics Explored: Building Consumer Trust in the Food System Why Facts Alone Aren’t Enough: The Power of Shared Values in Communication Lessons from Agricultural Commodity Marketing and Checkoff Programs Transparency, Traceability, and the Role of Narrative in Food Branding How Food Connects to Identity, Emotion, and Belief Trust, Misinformation, and the Importance of Dialogue The Future of Food Integrity and Responsible CommunicationLinks: Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelawhitmer/ Michael’s company Look East: https://lookeast.com The Center for Food Integrity: https://foodintegrity.org Related episode with lan Fine on the GROW: https://unfoldingthought.com/28-alan-fine-exploring-the-inner-game-to-grow/For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum sits down with Gini Dietrich, founder of Spin Sucks and creator of the PESO Model©—a strategic framework for aligning paid, earned, shared, and owned media to build reputation and deliver business results.Gini shares lessons from her work advising brands, training communicators, and building a thriving media and education company. She explains how trust is built and broken in communications, what it takes to sustain content over time, and why PR needs a seat at the executive table. We also talk about the mindset behind showing up publicly and consistently, even when it’s hard or slow.Gini’s insights are practical and refreshingly grounded. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone responsible for messaging, marketing, or media strategy.Topics Explored: What is the PESO Model—and how does it create business results? Why communicators must learn to speak the language of the C-suite The long-game of building thought leadership and trust The Spin Sucks origin story and lessons from building community Challenges and opportunities in earned media today How to know what’s actually working in communications Balancing transparency, authority, and discipline in public contentLinks: Gini Dietrich, Spin Sucks, and the PESO Model: https://spinsucks.comFor more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Peter Kelly-Detwiler, an expert in global energy markets and sustainability. Peter discusses the dynamic interplay between technology, economics, and policy shaping the energy sector today and into the future.Peter addresses critical issues like the complexities of integrating renewable energy sources, the role of AI and advanced software in optimizing grid efficiency, and the geopolitical forces impacting energy markets. He also shares insights into cutting-edge developments such as modular nuclear power, advanced geothermal technology, and innovative storage solutions.Topics Explored: The Evolution of Global Energy Markets Sustainability and Energy: Defining Practical Solutions The Role of Technological Innovation in Energy Transformation AI and Advanced Software Applications in Energy Grid Management Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy Integration Geopolitical Impacts on Energy Markets and Infrastructure Emerging Technologies: Modular Nuclear, Geothermal, and Advanced Batteries Strategies for Future Energy Resilience and AdaptabilityLinks: Visit Peter’s website: http://peterkellydetwiler.com Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkellydetwiler/ Peter’s talk on forecasting challenges in energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dveBB-xXs0 IPCC reports on climate and energy: https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this solo episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum explores the decline of album sales in light of Rick Beato’s recent video on the best-selling albums of the 21st century. Rather than attributing the change solely to streaming or market fragmentation, Eric frames the issue through the Pace Layers model—offering a more nuanced explanation for why physical albums have faded and why that doesn’t mean music is in decline.He walks through the origins of the album format, how it became embedded in our culture, and why innovations like streaming reshape not just delivery methods but how we define and experience music itself. This reflection goes beyond nostalgia to reveal what truly happens when old standards fade and new systems emerge.Topics Explored: Why we’ll never again see albums sell like Adele’s 25 or Linkin Park’s Meteora The problem with comparing physical album sales to digital streams What Rick Beato gets right—and misses—about the music industry’s evolution The Pace Layers model and how it explains slow vs. fast change in culture How streaming disrupted not just formats, but the cultural foundations of music Why losing a familiar standard doesn’t always mean losing something meaningfulLinks: Rick Beato’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lel_J1-zxmU For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum is joined by Ian Mai, an ADHD and impulse-control coach dedicated to helping people understand and transform their impulsive behaviors into strengths. Ian shares his deeply personal journey—from confronting internet addiction and infidelity to achieving meaningful and sustainable recovery through ADHD awareness and inner strength training.Ian outlines the psychological foundations of impulsive behavior, describing how emotional disregulation, dopamine-seeking, and conditioned responses play crucial roles. He provides practical strategies for building emotional resilience and impulse control, emphasizing mindfulness, intentional discomfort, and honest self-reflection.This conversation goes beyond ADHD to explore how impulsive behaviors affect relationships, career success, and self-worth. Ian’s passion and clarity around these topics offer valuable guidance for anyone facing similar challenges or looking to understand those who do.Topics Explored: Ian’s Personal Journey: From addiction and impulsivity to awareness and coaching Understanding ADHD and Impulsive Behavior: Emotional regulation, dopamine, and conditioned responses Practical Strategies for Managing ADHD and Impulse Control Relationship Dynamics: How impulsivity impacts marriage and family life Transforming Shame into Inner Strength Cultivating Mindfulness and Intentional Discomfort to Build Resilience The Importance of Being Comfortable with Misunderstanding and Authentic Self-ExpressionLinks: Ian’s Company: https://www.ianmai.co Connect with Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mai-inner-strength/For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum talks with Ryan Scott, Head of Product at DNA Behavior, a company focused on delivering precise behavioral analytics using AI and machine learning. Ryan outlines his career growth from finance intern to AI innovator, highlighting how behavioral insights can dramatically improve business outcomes.Ryan discusses the innovative ways DNA Behavior utilizes AI—from predicting communication styles and job titles based on minimal data, to automating client interactions through advanced chatbots. We delve into practical applications of AI for businesses of all sizes, the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, and how AI is reshaping organizational structures and personal roles.This episode offers invaluable perspectives on the power and potential of AI-driven insights to enhance customer relations, streamline operations, and future-proof businesses.Topics Explored: Ryan’s Path: From finance student to Head of Product at DNA Behavior AI and Behavioral Analytics: How DNA Behavior is leveraging big data Practical AI Applications: Enhancing client relationships and communication strategies Automation and Efficiency: Tools and tactics for integrating AI into business processes Predictive Modeling and Machine Learning: Advanced techniques for business insights Challenges and Best Practices in AI Integration The Future of Work: AI’s impact on organizational structures and personal rolesLinks: DNA Behavior: https://dnabehavior.com/start Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwadescott/ Microsoft AI Training: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/courses/ai-900t00 Sanebox: https://www.sanebox.com n8n Workflow Automation: https://n8n.io Wonderchat AI Management: https://wonderchat.io Episode 31 with Hugh Massie: https://unfoldingthought.com/31-hugh-massie-reaching-1-billion-annually-with-behavioral-insights/For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum sits down with David Greer, entrepreneurial coach and author of "Wind In Your Sails: Vital Strategies That Accelerate Your Entrepreneurial Growth." David shares powerful lessons from his journey—from building and exiting a successful software company to confronting and overcoming alcoholism, and eventually shaping a fulfilling career coaching other entrepreneurs.David explains the importance of strategic clarity, intentional quarterly planning, and the value of aligning personal strengths with professional goals. He emphasizes the critical balance of personal resilience and high performance, offering practical advice on how entrepreneurs can better manage their businesses, their teams, and themselves.Topics Explored: Navigating Addiction and Sobriety: David’s transformative personal journey Strategic Planning and Execution: Using clear, actionable plans to drive growth Entrepreneurial Challenges: Transitioning from startup phase to scalable organization The Importance of Written Goals and Accountability Balancing Self, Family, and Business for Sustainable Success Coaching Entrepreneurs through Organizational and Personal Obstacles How Personal Growth Impacts Professional PerformanceLinks: Wind In Your Sails book by David Greer: https://www.amazon.com/Wind-Your-Sails-Strategies-Entrepreneurial-ebook/dp/B01E9NQI9Y Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjgreer David’s website: https://coachdjgreer.com Rockefeller Habits and Scaling Up by Verne Harnish: https://scalingup.com StrengthsFinder Assessment: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspxFor more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Shannon Watson, Executive Director of Majority in the Middle, an organization committed to fostering bipartisan collaboration and more effective governance. Shannon shares her journey and insights into why America has grown increasingly divided politically, and more importantly, what we can do about it.Shannon highlights how the erosion of trust at local and national levels affects policy effectiveness, the critical role of relationship-building across ideological lines, and why finding common ground is more crucial than ever. We explore historical insights on political cooperation, recent data on bipartisan attitudes, and practical strategies individuals and communities can adopt to reverse political polarization.Topics Explored: Bridging the Political Divide: Shannon’s work with Majority in the Middle. The Importance of Bipartisan Cooperation and Practical Governance. How Trust and Social Capital Influence Community Success. The Impact of Polarization on Governance and Everyday Life. Actionable Steps Toward Effective Political and Community Engagement. Lessons from History and Contemporary Examples of Successful Bipartisanship. Understanding the Evolution of Group Dynamics and Polarization.Links: Majority in the Middle: https://majoritymiddle.org Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwatson/ The State of Bipartisanship Report (2024): https://www.majoritymiddle.org/stateofbipartisanship2024 Robert Putnam’s research on trust in diverse communities: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_D._Putnam Robert Wright’s argument on majority dynamics in "The Evolution of God": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Evolution_of_God Thoreau’s skepticism of telegraph communication: https://www.neh.gov/humanities/2018/summer/what-would-thoreau-think-our-24-hour-news-cycle Shannon’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkGtCWCADXgFor more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

Eric Pratum sits down with Ryan Hogan, founder of Talent Harbor and the creative mind behind ventures like Run For Your Lives and Hunt a Killer. Ryan shares insights from his unique journey—from entrepreneurial experiments as a child, through notable successes and tough lessons, to his current mission of reshaping the recruiting industry.Ryan discusses the flawed standard recruiting model, his innovative "Recruiting as a Service" approach, and the critical importance of hiring for cultural alignment rather than just skills. He opens up about lessons learned from his entrepreneurial and military careers, emphasizing resilience, the power of micro-actions, and the necessity of embracing failure as a learning tool.Topics Explored: From Creepy Crawlers to Talent Harbor: Ryan’s entrepreneurial journey Disrupting Traditional Recruiting: What's broken in the standard recruiting model? Recruiting as a Service: Aligning incentives, eliminating success fees, and reducing friction Lessons from the Military: Discipline, structure, and why some rules exist Hiring for Cultural Fit: The overlooked key to long-term organizational success Failure as a Teacher: Why Ryan embraces mistakes and what they've taught him Future-Proofing Careers: The role of AI, automation, and human authenticity in the workplaceLinks: Talent Harbor: https://talentharbor.com Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/ Ryan’s Podcast, Confessions of an EOS Implementer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-an-implementer/id1740510216 The New Common Denominator of Success by Albert E.N. Gray: https://amzn.to/4kxhY9G The Go-Giver: https://amzn.to/3YZeYL1For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.comJoin the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum sits down with Jessica Rhodes, founder and CEO of Interview Connections. Jessica discusses her journey from booking her dad's podcast interviews to establishing an agency that has facilitated tens of thousands of guest appearances.She explains the nuances of becoming a successful podcast guest, addressing common pitfalls, misconceptions, and the strategies behind making every podcast appearance a meaningful part of your broader marketing and networking efforts. Jessica also explores how podcast guesting can yield impressive returns, even from shows with smaller audiences, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, preparation, and strategic repurposing of content.Topics Explored: Jessica's Journey: From VA to Podcast Guesting Expert What Makes a Great Podcast Guest? Leveraging Podcast Appearances for Marketing & SEO Misconceptions About Podcast Audience Sizes How to Strategically Repurpose Podcast Content Measuring ROI from Podcast Guesting Authenticity & Emotional Resonance in Interviews Future Trends in Podcasting and GuestingLinks: Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-rhodes-9a291020/ Jessica’s company, Interview Connections: http://interviewconnections.com Jessica on Trauma Rewired: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trauma-rewired/id1537602643?i=1000615695331 Jessica on Jason Shupp’s From There to Here: https://missionmatters.com/jessica-rhodes-a-pioneer-in-podcasting/ Jessica’s podcast on 10Xing your podcast results: https://interviewconnections.com/repurpose-podFor more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]

Eric Pratum sits down with Dustin Ryen—entrepreneur, marketer, and yes, professional coconut shucker. Dustin shares his journey, from early entrepreneurial lessons learned while selling sandpaper to becoming known as "The Coconut Guy."Dustin reveals how personal struggles and early life experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, his willingness to embrace change and risk, and why authenticity has been central to his lasting success. He discusses the importance of emotional resonance in business, insights gained from difficult experiences—including being fired by Eric—and why finding joy in your work matters so much.This conversation explores themes like taking control of your career, the evolving landscape of AI-driven change in business, and why personal connections remain irreplaceable. It’s an episode rich with stories, insights, and practical advice for anyone navigating their career and life.Topics Explored: From Sandpaper to Coconuts: Lessons learned from Dustin's unconventional career path. Entrepreneurship and Risk: How Dustin’s early life shaped his attitude toward risk and opportunity. Being Fired (by the Host!): Reflections on turning challenging career moments into valuable life lessons. Emotional Resonance in Business: Why creating authentic connections matters more than ever. Adapting to AI and Automation: Preparing yourself for the evolving career landscape and embracing personal responsibility. Joy and Authenticity in Work: Why true passion and a sense of authenticity can define entrepreneurial success.Links: Connect with Dustin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinryen/ Check out Dustin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcoconutguy/ Rob Croll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcroll/ How I Built This with Guy Raz: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297 James Read’s LinkedIn post about ChatGPT blessing his study: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jameseread_has-ai-told-you-to-be-blessed-yet-recently-activity-7327866330798325760-RJCM

Eric Pratum sits down with Mike Wiles—YouTube’s Tractor Mike—to explore the future of rural America, small-scale farming, and compact tractor markets. Mike shares his extensive experience, beginning with his early days working an apple orchard, through his career managing farm equipment dealerships, to educating hundreds of thousands of people through his popular YouTube channel.Mike discusses the growing interest in small-time farming and rural living, particularly among people leaving urban areas. He provides insights into the economic factors, market shifts, and demographic changes affecting this movement. The conversation also covers critical issues such as education gaps among new rural residents, safety in agriculture, and the need for innovation in equipment design and service delivery.Topics Explored: Mike’s journey: From radio farm director to YouTube tractor expert The boom in small tractors during COVID and its aftermath Why are more people moving from cities to rural properties? Economic and demographic impacts on rural markets and farming Future trends in compact tractor sales and equipment innovation The importance of education and safety for new rural landowners Challenges in agricultural service delivery and opportunities for innovationLinks: Visit Mike’s website: https://asktractormike.com Mike’s Tractor Caddy: https://asktractormike.com/product/tractor-caddy-tool-box/ Tractor Mike’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TractorMike University of Missouri’s Food & Agricultural Policy Research Institute: https://fapri.missouri.eduFor more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]