Badass Softie

What if the problem isn’t discipline — but understanding how your brain actually works? In this conversation, Dr. JJ Peterson sits down with licensed therapist and co-host of the Something Shiny ADHD Podcast, Isabelle Richards, to explore how ADHD, neurodivergence, and what Isabelle calls being “neuro-spicy” can shape the way people lead, make decisions, manage pressure, and move through the world. Together, they unpack the difference between self-discipline and self-awareness — and why many leaders spend years trying to force themselves into systems that don’t actually fit how they think or function. This conversation reframes accommodations not as weakness, but as self-understanding in action. What You’ll Reflect On Why some people thrive under pressure but struggle with everyday decisions How ADHD and executive functioning differences can affect leadership and work The role shame plays in productivity, motivation, and self-worth What “meta-awareness” means and why it matters How leaders can create more psychologically safe environments Why understanding your needs can be more powerful than pushing harder For leaders navigating pressure, burnout, or the feeling that simple things shouldn’t feel this hard, this conversation offers language, clarity, and a more compassionate way forward. Resources Mentioned Download the ADHD Focus & Flow Finder to better understand the accommodations that support how you work best: https://www.somethingshinypodcast.com/finder Explore more conversations from the Something Shiny ADHD Podcast: https://www.somethingshinypodcast.com If this resonates, share it with someone who may be trying to succeed while quietly fighting the way they naturally work.

Most experiences don’t stay with you. You go to a conference, an event, a workshop, and within a few days, most of it is gone. Not because it wasn’t good, but nothing made it stick. Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Matt Ford, experiential marketing expert behind activations for Adidas, Cartoon Network, and HGTV, to talk about the part most leaders overlook: what actually makes an experience stick. They get into why small details often carry more weight than big production budgets, how core memories form, and why most experiences lose their impact right when people walk out the door. What This Explores What experiential marketing looks like beyond big brand activations Why certain moments stick—and most don't What makes an experience feel worth it How to extend the connection instead of starting over every time Experience design without a big budget If you’re leading client work, hosting events, or building something where people show up in person, this is the part that determines whether they come back.   Mentioned In This Episode Collab Experiential: https://www.collabexperiential.com    Follow Badass Softie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badasssoftiepod/ Website: https://www.badasssoftie.com/

What happens when you get what you wanted and it doesn’t fix what you thought it would?   You can spend years working toward something, only to realize it doesn’t feel the way you expected.   In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Al Andrews, founder of Porter’s Call, to talk about what success actually does to people—and why it doesn’t always bring the fulfillment we expect.   After decades of working with artists at every level, Al has seen the patterns of how success can isolate, identity can drift, and how easy it is to lose yourself while building something big.   They explore what it takes to stay grounded, close the gap between who you are and who people think you are, and lead in a way that doesn’t cost you your relationships or your sense of self.   Because the goal isn’t just to succeed, it’s to stay yourself while you do it. What This Explores Why success can feel empty—even when you get what you want The gap between your public image and your private life How isolation shows up as you grow What it means to “share your stage” as a leader How to lead with both strength and vulnerability If this resonates, share it with someone who’s building something meaningful and trying to hold onto who they are in the process.   Mentioned In This Episode Porter’s Call: https://porterscall.com  Follow Badass Softie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badasssoftiepod/ Website: https://www.badasssoftie.com/

Selling shouldn’t feel like pressure, persuasion, or pretending to be someone you’re not. But for a lot of leaders, it does. In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, to unpack why so many people feel uncomfortable with sales—and how a simple shift in perspective can change everything. They explore what happens when you stop trying to “get” the sale and start focusing on creating value, building trust, and actually helping the person in front of you. Because the problem isn’t selling, it’s how we’ve been taught to think about it. What This Explores Why so many leaders feel resistance or discomfort around selling The belief systems that shape how we show up in sales conversations The difference between trying to convince vs. trying to serve What it actually means to “provide value” (beyond just your product or service) Why people are often willing to pay more for a better experience The difference between price and value—and why it matters If this perspective resonates, share it with someone who has ever felt that tension—the pull between wanting to serve and feeling like they have to sell. They may not need better tactics. They may just need a better definition. Mentioned in This Episode The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann: https://thegogiver.com/the-go-giver  The Go-Giver Sells More by Bob Burg & John David Mann: https://thegogiver.com/the-go-giver  Website: https://burg.com  Substack: https://bobburg.substack.com  The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey: https://speedoftrust.com  Follow Badass Softie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badasssoftiepod Website: https://www.badasssoftie.com  

So many leaders feel like they’re saying the right things… and still not being heard. They create content. They follow the strategies. They build what they’ve been told will work. And yet—something doesn’t land. In this conversation, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Macy Robison, a strategist behind the resonant thought leadership system, to explore why that disconnect happens—and what to do about it. Macy has spent years helping experts, authors, and entrepreneurs translate their ideas into messaging that actually resonates. Not by teaching them to be louder or more polished—but by helping them align how they communicate with how they naturally think, express, and lead. Because the truth is, not every voice is meant to show up the same way. Some leaders create transformation through speaking. Others through writing. Others through guiding experiences or solving problems in real time. And when you try to force yourself into a format that doesn’t fit, your message doesn’t just weaken—it disappears. This conversation unpacks the hidden reason so many messages fall flat, why traditional marketing tactics don’t work for everyone, and how understanding your natural communication style can completely change how you build your business and connect with others. It also challenges a belief many leaders quietly carry: that there’s a “right” way to show up. There isn’t. There’s only the way that actually works for you. If you’re curious how you naturally show up and communicate, Macy’s assessment is a powerful place to start: https://macyrobison.com/quiz What This Explores Why your message can be strong—but still not resonate The hidden mismatch between your voice and your strategy Why some marketing tactics feel ineffective (even when they work for others) Different ways leaders naturally communicate and create impact How to translate “in-the-room” magic into content that connects 

Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with designer, strategist, and storyteller Justin Ahrens to explore a part of leadership most people try to avoid: tension. There’s a natural pull to resolve things quickly—to choose a side, simplify the path, or chase clarity. But some of the most meaningful leadership doesn’t come from eliminating tension. It comes from learning how to stay present inside it. This conversation moves through the reality of holding competing priorities at the same time—the weight of doing meaningful work while navigating everyday responsibilities, the balance between ambition and humanity, and the challenge of staying grounded in a world that keeps speeding up. At the center of it all is a simple but difficult idea: the work itself isn’t what makes it meaningful. It’s how you show up while doing it. What This Explores Why tension isn’t something to fix, but something to pay attention to The difference between “important work” and meaningful leadership How to stay human while still pursuing ambitious goals What it looks like to lead with curiosity instead of certainty The role tension plays in growth, awareness, and better decision-making This conversation may resonate with you if you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing the “right” kind of work, or felt the pull between who you want to be and what’s required of you. If it does, consider sharing it with someone who’s navigating that same tension—quietly trying to lead well without losing themselves in the process. Mentioned In This Episode Book: Be HumanKind: https://www.behumankind.today/ At The Table: https://www.atthetable.is/ Podcast: Running Aherns (Dr. J.J.’s episode): https://www.runningahrens.today/podcast/when-your-story-changes-how-jj-and-jamie-rebuilt-life-love-and-home Follow Badass Softie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badasssoftiepod/ Website: https://www.badasssoftie.com/

There are things happening right in front of us that we can’t see. Not because we’re ignoring them. Not because we don’t care. But because our experience has never required us to notice them. Dr. JJ Peterson explores how two people can look at the same situation, care about the same outcome, and still walk away with completely different conclusions—not because one of them is wrong, but because they’re standing in a different place. Drawing on standpoint theory and real-world examples, Dr. JJ Peterson unpacks how lived experience shapes what feels normal, what feels like a problem, and what often goes unnoticed entirely. For leaders, this creates a critical challenge. Because the things we don’t have to think about are often the very things someone else is navigating every single day. And when those differences go unseen, they don’t just create misunderstanding—they create blind spots in leadership, communication, and decision-making. This perspective invites a shift away from certainty and toward curiosity, offering a more grounded and human way to lead, listen, and connect. What This Explores Why thoughtful, intelligent people can see the same situation differently How lived experience shapes perception and decision-making The blind spots that show up in leadership and communication Why empathy alone doesn’t replace lived experience How expanding perspective leads to stronger connections and better leadership  This may resonate with leaders who are striving to make thoughtful decisions while recognizing there may still be perspectives they haven’t yet seen. It may also resonate with those who often find themselves seeing things others don’t—and carrying the weight of that awareness. If this brought someone to mind, consider sharing it with them. Not to change their perspective, but to better understand where they’re standing.

In a world overflowing with information, what actually makes a leader stand out? It isn’t having more knowledge, better data, or more polished content. What separates leaders who shape the world from those who simply repeat what others say is something deeper: a clear point of view. But developing a point of view isn’t about trying to sound original or inventing ideas no one has ever heard before. It’s about understanding the experiences, insights, and beliefs that have shaped how you see the world. Dr. JJ Peterson explores how leaders develop perspectives that are uniquely their own — perspectives that guide decisions, shape culture, and influence others in meaningful ways. At the heart of that process are three places where powerful ideas are born: lived wisdom, paradigm shifts that change how we see familiar problems, and the layering of ideas that creates something new. When leaders learn to recognize and articulate those elements, their voice becomes clearer — and their leadership becomes more impactful. What This Explores Why information alone doesn’t create meaningful thought leadership How personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom shape perspective The power of paradigm shifts in leadership thinking How layering ideas can help you develop a unique voice Why developing a point of view requires courage as much as insight If this reflection resonates with you, it may also resonate with someone in your life who is trying to lead with both ambition and heart. Consider sharing it with a colleague, a friend, or a leader who is still discovering the perspective they bring to the world. Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about Dr. JJ’s workshop: Become the Obvious Choice - https://www.story22.co.uk/storybrand-unreasonable-hospitality-workshop-in-london-2026/   If you are interested in doing this work with Dr. JJ, learn more on my website at - https://www.drjjpeterson.com/

Leaders are tired. Not just from long hours or packed calendars, but from the constant mental load of decision-making, responsibility, and momentum that never quite stops. For many high-performing leaders, the instinct is to push through the exhaustion or hope a little time off will fix it. But rest alone isn’t always what restores clarity. Dr. JJ Peterson explores a different idea: what leaders often need is not simply rest, but reflection. Research shows that when we move from task to task without pause, cognitive fatigue builds. Decision-making declines, emotional regulation weakens, and creativity drops. The antidote isn’t just stepping away—it’s creating intentional moments to process what has happened, close mental loops, and interpret the lessons from the season we’ve just lived. JJ introduces the concept of Selah, a word found in the Psalms that signals a pause in the middle of the music—a moment to weigh what has been said before continuing the song. Leadership works the same way. Healthy leaders don’t only move forward. They pause long enough to reflect, celebrate what worked, grieve what didn’t, and decide what wisdom they will carry into the next season. Sometimes that reflection happens on a retreat. Sometimes it happens in a coffee shop with a notebook and ninety quiet minutes. But without it, we risk running on momentum instead of wisdom. Ideas to Sit With Why rest alone often doesn’t resolve leadership fatigue How cognitive fatigue affects decision-making and creativity The importance of marking the end of a season before beginning the next What the ancient idea of Selah can teach modern leaders A simple 90-minute reflection practice for closing a chapter and preparing for the next one If this reflection resonated with you, consider sharing it with another leader who may also be navigating a demanding season. Sometimes the most powerful step forward begins with a quiet pause.  

Dr. JJ Peterson challenges a belief many ambitious leaders quietly hold: that what we call self-awareness might actually be a fixed mindset in disguise. When rewards disappoint, applause is delayed, or results don’t show up the way we hoped, it’s easy to blame the “prize.” The market. The algorithm. The team. The timing. But what if the real ceiling isn’t external at all? This reflection explores the powerful combination of growth mindset and internal locus of control — and why resilient leaders refuse to let effort become conditional. Because when your motivation depends on applause, your leadership does too. And leadership that lasts is built on something deeper. What This Explores Why fixed mindset often sounds like maturity or self-awareness The difference between internal and external locus of control How conditional motivation quietly caps leadership growth Why effort-focused identity builds resilience The mindset shift that creates cultures of psychological safety If this reflection resonates with you — especially if you’ve been feeling discouraged, capped, or quietly tired — consider sharing it with another leader who might need the reminder. You are not done growing. And your effort still matters.

What if the strongest thing a leader could say isn’t “I was right,” but “I see this differently now”? Dr. JJ Peterson challenges one of leadership’s most persistent myths — that consistency means never changing your mind. Drawing from cognitive psychology, decision science, and a deeply personal story about turning down a book deal after a podcast reached 13 million downloads, JJ explores why rigidity often masquerades as strength. Changing your mind doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It can feel like losing credibility, identity, even belonging. But what if intellectual humility is actually a sign of maturity? What This Explores Why our brains treat belief challenges as personal threats How leaders lose relevance when they cling to outdated messaging The psychology behind why arguments harden positions — but stories soften them What it means to treat your beliefs like hypotheses instead of absolutes How redefining ambition led to the creation of Badass Softie Strong leadership doesn’t require abandoning your values. It requires updating how you apply them when reality shifts. If you’ve ever felt the tension between being consistent and being responsive… If you’ve wrestled with whether evolving makes you look weak… This reflection may resonate. And if someone in your world is stuck defending a belief that no longer fits, consider sharing it with them. Sometimes the most generous thing we can offer is permission to grow.

Leaders carry growing responsibility. Bigger teams. Bigger decisions. Bigger stakes. But growth in responsibility doesn’t automatically mean growth in thinking. Dr. JJ Peterson explores a counterintuitive leadership truth: when leaders stop trying new things, their thinking gets smaller — even as their influence expands. The issue isn’t intelligence. It isn’t experience. It’s rigidity. The brain is designed to change. Novelty builds cognitive flexibility. Exposure to unfamiliar environments interrupts autopilot. Creative hobbies, new skills, and even small disruptions in routine reshape how the brain approaches ambiguity and problem-solving. Trying something new outside of work isn’t indulgent. It’s strategic. Learning stained glass doesn’t make someone a better marketer. Curling doesn’t automatically improve strategy. But putting yourself back into beginner mode rewires how you respond to uncertainty, failure, and complexity — and that changes leadership. Growth doesn’t always look impressive. Sometimes it looks like falling on the ice, laughing, and getting back up again. What You’ll Learn Why leadership fails when thinking becomes rigid How novelty strengthens cognitive flexibility The connection between environment shifts and creative problem-solving Why beginnerhood is a leadership practice, not a weakness Simple ways to disrupt autopilot and expand perspective Leadership requires adaptability, perspective, and the willingness to experiment before certainty arrives. If this resonates, consider sharing it with a leader who may need permission to try something new — not to master it, not to monetize it, but to stay mentally alive. Because ambition and humanity are not opposites. And the most strategic thing a leader can do might be to become a beginner again.  

Before he ever worked with leaders on message and clarity, Dr. J.J. Peterson spent years performing improv comedy — an environment where nothing is scripted, mistakes are guaranteed, and collaboration determines whether a scene survives. What most people misunderstand about improv is that it isn’t chaos. It has rules. And those same rules quietly shape what effective leadership looks like when certainty is low and pressure is high. Drawing from his experience on stage and in leadership rooms, Dr. Peterson explores how leaders can create momentum, protect dignity, and keep people engaged — even when things feel messy, unfinished, or uncertain. What’s Covered Why strong leadership isn’t about control, but attention and trust How “Yes, and” keeps people contributing instead of shutting down Why leaders need a clear point of view — not vague optimism How to handle mistakes without creating fear or humiliation What it means to name reality instead of performing confidence Why leadership works best when leaders stop trying to win the room Most leadership happens without a script. The question isn’t whether things will wobble — it’s how leaders respond when they do. If this resonates, consider sharing it with another badass softie leader — someone ambitious, thoughtful, and deeply human — who’s navigating leadership without a script and trying to do it with heart.

Most people think a story has to be a seismic, life-altering event to matter. Something dramatic. Something obvious. Something big enough to justify being told. But leadership is rarely shaped by moments that announce themselves. In this conversation, Dr. J.J. Peterson talks with storyteller and creativity guide Tricia Rose Burt about why the stories that shape how we lead are often the ones we overlook—and how creativity helps us recognize, shape, and share them. Together, they explore storytelling not as performance or branding, but as a leadership practice: a way of integrating lived experience, building trust, and making meaning in the work we do. This is a conversation for leaders who feel disconnected from their creativity, unsure whether their story “counts,” or curious about how story and imagination strengthen—not soften—leadership. What this explores Why most people underestimate the stories they’re already carrying How storytelling reveals why you lead the way you do The connection between creativity and effective leadership Why showing a story builds credibility faster than telling credentials How recognizing your story opens the door to inspiring others Creativity isn’t a detour from leadership. Storytelling isn’t a nice-to-have. They’re how leaders stay human, flexible, and meaningful—especially when the work gets hard.   To learn more about Tricia Rose Burt and her work, visit triciaroseburt.com.

Work is relational—whether we admit it or not. And yet many leaders are taught that professionalism means distance, separation, and emotional restraint. In this conversation, Dr. J.J. Peterson reflects on what actually happens when trust, friendship, and shared commitment exist inside a working relationship. Joined by longtime collaborator and friend Kristin Spiotto, they explore the tension between closeness and leadership—and why pretending work isn’t personal often creates more harm than clarity. Together, they challenge the myth that personal connection weakens leadership and instead unpack how safety, honesty, and intentional boundaries can lead to stronger teams, better work, and more resilient relationships. What This Explores Why separating personal and professional is often a false choice How trust changes the way feedback, conflict, and decisions land The difference between healthy closeness and blurred power dynamics What it means to be “for each other” without sacrificing excellence How leaders can create safety without making promises they can’t keep If you’ve ever felt torn between protecting your humanity and doing excellent work, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t perfect boundaries—it’s intentional ones that steady relationships instead of shrinking them.

Cynicism often starts as protection. It forms after systems fail, trust erodes, and disappointment stacks up. For many leaders, it feels reasonable—earned, even. But over time, that armor begins to cost more than it protects. Dr. J.J. Peterson reflects on how cynicism quietly reshapes leadership: how it changes tone, limits trust, narrows imagination, and distances us from the very people and possibilities that make leadership meaningful. This is a meditation on disciplined hope—not naïve optimism, not denial—but the courageous choice to remain open, curious, and human when closing off would be easier. What This Explores Why cynicism is often a wound response, not a personality trait The subtle ways cynicism erodes trust, creativity, and psychological safety How “emotional armor” can outlive its usefulness Why hope is a leadership discipline, not a temperament What it looks like to lead with tenderness without becoming brittle This reflection may resonate with leaders who are tired, thoughtful, and still deeply committed—even if they feel more guarded than they used to. If this stirred something for you, consider sharing it with someone who’s been carrying more armor than they’d like to admit.

Some of the most meaningful leadership lessons don’t come from business books, keynote stages, or boardrooms.   Sometimes, they come from places you don’t expect.   In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson shares unexpected leadership insights inspired by a behind-the-scenes look at Taylor Swift and her record-breaking Eras Tour. What he expected was spectacle. What he didn’t expect was a masterclass in leadership with heart.   This episode explores what it looks like to lead at the highest level without becoming harder, colder, or smaller in the process.   You’ll hear reflections on: Emotional discipline and why leaders shouldn’t dump their stress downhill Showing up as a guide, not the hero How preparation creates freedom and confidence Why generosity and shared wins build loyalty What true belonging looks like on a team The power of owning your work, your voice, and your story If you’re tired of leadership advice that asks you to sacrifice your humanity for success, this conversation offers a better way.   If this episode resonated with you: Save it for the next time you need a reminder of the kind of leader you want to be. Share it with someone who feels tired of leading the “right” way and is ready for a better one. Or send it to a leader who needs fresh inspiration from an unexpected place. Because the world doesn’t need more polished leaders. It needs leaders who are prepared, generous, clear — and deeply human.   That’s what being a Badass Softie looks like.

As a new year begins, many leaders feel an unspoken pressure to measure themselves against impossible standards — more growth, more output, more proof that they’re “enough.” In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. JJ Peterson invites listeners to pause and challenge the definition of success they’ve been handed. Drawing from his own experiences launching businesses, leading teams, publishing a bestselling book, and creating work that mattered long before it was visible, Dr. Peterson makes a compelling case for redefining success as alignment, not achievement. He introduces the concept of a Year of Enoughness — not as a lowering of ambition, but as a way to protect it. A definition of success that doesn’t demand burnout, self-abandonment, or the loss of creativity and joy. Listeners will explore: Why achievement without alignment can still feel like failure How leaders unknowingly hustle for worth instead of living from it The difference between performative success and sustainable leadership A simple three-question framework to redefine success from the inside out This episode is for leaders who are deeply driven — and quietly tired of measuring their lives by what looks impressive instead of what feels true. If this episode resonates, share it with someone you believe is a badass softie — a leader who is ambitious, values-driven, and ready to build success without losing their humanity.

As leaders, we’re often taught that joy should wait its turn. That celebration is something you earn after the work is done, the chaos settles, and everything feels appropriate.   But what if that belief is quietly burning us out?   In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. JJ Peterson invites leaders to rethink joy—not as a reward, but as a leadership practice. Through a simple, human story and research-backed insight, he explores why joy isn’t denial, irresponsibility, or distraction… it’s how emotionally intelligent leaders stay resilient, creative, and deeply human.   This conversation is especially for those who feel the tension between ambition and tenderness—who are carrying a lot, leading through uncertainty, and wondering if celebration is allowed when things still feel hard.   Because joy doesn’t erase the heavy parts of life. It carries us through them.   ✨ If this episode resonates, share it with someone you believe is a true Badass Softie—someone who leads with heart, carries responsibility with courage, and deserves permission to celebrate a little sooner than they think.

Ever been at a holiday party, networking event, or standing awkwardly near a charcuterie board when someone asks, “So… what do you do?”   And suddenly your brain short-circuits.   You ramble. You minimize. You say something vague like “I help humans” and quietly watch the conversation die.   In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson breaks down why leaders dread that question—and how to answer it in a way that actually starts conversations instead of ending them.   Drawing from storytelling frameworks used in Hollywood, J.J. introduces a simple, human one-liner formula designed to help leaders explain what they do with clarity, confidence, and heart.   You’ll learn: Why most leaders accidentally confuse or bore people when talking about their work The 3-part one-liner formula (problem, solution, success) and why the brain remembers it How starting with someone else’s problem builds instant connection Why clarity isn’t just good marketing—it’s good leadership How a strong one-liner makes it easier for others to remember you and refer you This episode is for leaders who are unapologetically ambitious—but still deeply human. The ones who want their words to open doors, not shut conversations down.   Because a great one-liner doesn’t pitch. It honors the person you’re talking to. It sparks curiosity. And it gives people a reason to ask the next question.   👉 Download the one-liner worksheet - https://www.drjjpeterson.com/one-liner If this episode resonated, share it with someone you think is a Badass Softie—a leader who wants to lead with clarity, heart, and confidence.

Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with author and speaker Jen Hatmaker for a candid conversation about courage, integrity, and what happens when the life you’ve built no longer fits who you’re becoming.   Jen Hatmaker has navigated public success, private heartbreak, theological transformation, and the painful cost of choosing integrity over approval. Through every rise and collapse, she has remained tender, honest, grounded, and fiercely aligned with her values—modeling a different kind of leadership rooted in both strength and humanity.   Together, Dr. J.J. Peterson and Jen Hatmaker explore what unfolds when long-held roles begin to crack, when praised identities no longer fit, and when inherited values prove too small for the person emerging on the other side of growth.   This conversation explores: the moment Jen Hatmaker’s 26-year marriage shattered how she examined the “faulty bricks” her life was built on which values endure—and which must be released the cost of living out of alignment the cost of choosing integrity instead what it takes to rebuild a life that finally fits how pain can soften rather than harden There is humor woven throughout—AC/DC youth group myths, country music fangirling, and a Grand Ole Opry moment that lingers—but at its core, this is a conversation about truth, courage, and the lives leaders claim when they stop pretending.   The central reminder is clear: There is always a cost to staying in a life that no longer aligns with who you are becoming—and the longer you stay, the higher the cost becomes.   In the end, this is the work of a badass softie—allowing courage and compassion to guide the way toward a more honest, expansive life.

Everywhere I go lately, people are asking me the same thing: How do I stay human when everyone is using AI? And honestly, I get it. We’re living in a moment where content is being produced faster and more generically than ever before and leaders are wondering how to keep their voice from disappearing into the noise.   In today’s conversation, I’m sharing something I’ve learned after years of helping leaders craft clear, meaningful messaging: AI can create, but only you can curate. AI doesn’t have a point of view. It doesn’t have lived wisdom. It can’t tell the story that shaped you or the moment that changed your leadership. Only you can do that and that’s exactly what makes your voice irreplaceable.   Inside this episode, I walk you through the two practices that will help you stand out in an AI-saturated world: personal stories and paradigm shifts.   I’ll show you how your stories build trust, how your perspective sets you apart, and how you can start developing a stronger point of view this week — not by being louder, but by being more you.   And because I want you to leave this episode with something you can use right away, I give you three simple assignments that will help you clarify your voice, connect more deeply with your audience, and create content that feels human again.   If this conversation resonates and you want help shaping your message or your thought leadership, you can always reach out at drjjpeterson.com — it’s the work I love most.   And if this episode speaks to you, share it with someone in your life who is both ambitious and deeply human — someone you’d call a Badass Softie.

In this episode of The Badass Softie Podcast, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with creative business mentor and coach Laura Higgins for a heartfelt, grounded conversation on what it really means to lead as a creative.   Laura opens up about her journey from “generalist” uni dropout to running a successful business coaching over 1,000 creatives — and the mindset shifts, courage, and leadership skills she had to build along the way.   Together, they explore the tension so many creatives feel: Can I be ambitious without losing my softness? Can I lead boldly without abandoning my heart? Can I be an artist and an entrepreneur? Laura makes the case that leadership isn’t a personality type — it’s a learnable skill. And when creatives pair structure with soul, something powerful emerges: sustainable success without losing the magic.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why creatives often struggle with self-worth and visibility The real reason imposter syndrome hits heart-led leaders so hard How to balance your “artist self” with your “entrepreneur self” Why leadership is a set of skills — not an identity change How to protect your creativity (your greatest currency) Practical steps to get more leads, sell confidently, and scale with intention Why kindness and boundaries can (and should) coexist Connect with Laura: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurahiggins/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurahigginsofficial   Send this episode to the creative friend who keeps saying “one day.” Today could be the day they finally go for it.

In this episode of Badass Softie, I sit down with my longtime friend and former colleague, Tim Schurrer — someone whose leadership shaped not only my career, but the culture and growth of StoryBrand itself.   Tim is the author of The Secret Society of Success, a book that gently dismantles the assumption that success means being the one in the spotlight. And trust me… I’ve watched him live out that message for over a decade.   During our conversation, we explore: Why the spotlight isn’t the problem — but chasing it for the wrong reasons can derail your purpose. How Tim discovered he was built to thrive behind the scenes, not center stage. A leadership mindset shift inspired by the book Made to Stick: Are you demanding attention or attracting it? What Michael Collins (yes, the Apollo 11 astronaut who didn’t step on the moon) teaches us about quiet greatness. How redefining success can create more freedom, fulfillment, and impact than performing for recognition ever will. Tim and I both believe this with every fiber of our leadership bones: You don’t have to be the one on stage to live a meaningful, successful, deeply impactful life.   And honestly? Most people aren’t wired for the spotlight anyway — and that’s not a shortcoming. It’s a superpower when you understand how to use it.   If this episode resonates with you, I’d love for you to subscribe, comment, or leave a review — it helps more people find conversations like this one.

For leaders who chase big goals but crave meaning just as much as momentum — this conversation is for you.   Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Amy Porterfield, New York Times bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice, to unpack how ambition can serve you without consuming you.   Amy shares how she went from corporate employee at Tony Robbins to building a multimillion-dollar business — and how redefining “enough” transformed both her leadership and her life.   Together, they dig into the leadership lessons that every high-performer needs to hear: how to bet on yourself, stop moving the goalposts, and lead with clarity instead of chaos.   You’ll learn: The moment Amy realized she’d been chasing success at the expense of freedom How to tell the difference between healthy ambition and fear-driven overachievement Why most leaders keep moving the goal line — and how to stop The quiet leadership skill that accelerates growth: marking the moment How to evolve your business (and identity) without losing your purpose What “enough” really means — and how to build around it This episode isn’t about slowing down — it’s about leading smarter. 📘 Grab Amy’s book: Two Weeks Notice 📰 Join her newsletter: AmyPorterfield.com/newsletter   🎧 Subscribe, comment, or leave a review — and keep leading with both strength and softness at BadassSoftie.com.

You’ve been grinding nonstop: chasing goals, managing pressure, holding it all together. But lately, even the wins don’t feel like wins anymore. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks how burnout quietly steals your joy, and how reclaiming joy isn’t about pretending things are fine. It’s about reconnecting to purpose, energy, and the strength to keep showing up. Here's what you'll get: -Why burnout happens even when you “love what you do” -The science behind joy and how it rewires your brain for resilience -How to stop seeing joy as a reward — and start practicing it as daily work -What leaders gain when they make space for joy: clarity, courage, and connection -3 practical ways to reclaim joy this week (even when you don’t feel it yet) 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify Joy isn’t what happens after you succeed, it’s what keeps you going. When you stop waiting for joy and start practicing it, you’ll lead (and live) like a true Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

What do you do when life doesn’t go to plan — when the roadblocks, losses, and grief feel like they’ve stopped you in your tracks? In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson opens up about the year he lost his father and became a dad in the same weekend. Through stories of heartbreak and unexpected joy, J.J. reveals how to keep moving forward when grief and growth show up at the same time. This episode isn’t prescriptive — it’s honest, human, and grounded in what it really means to lead through hard seasons without losing yourself. You’ll learn how to create small victories, stay connected to your community, and lead with compassion even when life feels uncertain. Here’s what you’ll take away: -How to keep moving when hardship hits at the most inconvenient time -Why creating small victories helps you stay grounded in chaos -The power of being fearlessly courageous with your community -How vulnerability builds strength, not weakness -Why compassion is the key to healing and forward movement -A simple monthly reflection practice to help you mark the moment and move 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop waiting for life to get easier and start leading through both the heartbreak and the hope, you’ll discover what it truly means to lead with strength and softness — the heart of a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders don’t fail because they lack skill — they fail because they stop asking the right questions. When the path feels murky, pressure mounts, and clarity fades, it’s easy to slip into control or chaos. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Amy Smith — a leadership coach and consultant who’s led global training for Apple, coached executive teams for McDonald’s, and served as VP of Certification at StoryBrand. Amy brings two decades of frontline leadership experience to show you how to build trust, create clarity, and lead through uncertainty. Together, J.J. and Amy unpack five guiding questions every leader should be asking to stay grounded and effective. You’ll learn why assuming positive intent changes every conversation, how to make confident calls when the path isn’t clear, and how the right one-on-ones can completely transform team culture. Here’s what you’ll take away: -The mindset shift that turns judgment into curiosity and builds lasting trust -How to lead with clarity when you don’t have all the answers -The five guiding questions that re-center your leadership in any situation -Why one-on-ones are your most powerful leadership tool — and how to use them -How to simplify meetings so they actually drive results -The single shift that unlocks trust, ownership, and growth on your team Connect with Amy directly via email at [email protected]/in/kudralobar/ 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop leading from fear and start leading with curiosity and clarity, you create a culture where people thrive — that’s what it means to lead as a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders think they’re self-aware — but they’re often just self-critical. The truth is, you can’t lead what you don’t feel. When emotions go unnamed, they run the show from behind the scenes, shaping decisions, reactions, and team dynamics. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Tera Wages to unpack why emotional fluency is the missing link between burnout and breakthrough. Tera introduces the Core Emotion Wheel — a simple but transformative framework for identifying and naming emotions that can completely change how you lead, parent, and communicate. By learning to spot what’s really happening beneath the surface, you stop reacting out of fear or frustration and start responding with clarity, empathy, and control. It’s a tool that gives you language for what you feel so your emotions become data, not drama — and that shift changes everything about how you lead others and yourself. In this episode you’ll take away: -Why most leaders misread their emotions — and how to change that -How to use the Core Emotion Wheel to navigate tough conversations -The difference between “fixing” emotions and actually feeling them -How emotional clarity turns reaction into intentional leadership -Practical ways to bring calm, confidence, and connection into your day Get the Core Emotion Wheel at ConnectionCodes.co/BadassSoftie — the exact tool Tera shares to help you name what you’re feeling before it turns into burnout or conflict. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop running from emotion and start naming it, you unlock your ability to lead with both clarity and compassion — the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders assume that working more hours means getting more done. But what if doing less actually produced better results—and a healthier, more loyal team? In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Hannah Lee, co-founder and CEO of Second Mile. Hannah helps organizations shift from a five-day to a four-day work week without losing productivity or profit. Hannah has led this transformation inside her own business and seen firsthand how redefining productivity changes everything. Together, J.J. and Hannah explore how rest, trust, and smarter systems can fuel creativity and focus. You’ll learn why “time” is the most overlooked leadership tool—and how reclaiming it can make both your business and your people thrive. Here’s what you’ll take away: -Why working fewer days can increase profit, focus, and retention -How to spot and eliminate wasted effort across your team -Why rest and recovery are the true drivers of long-term performance -How AI can give you hours back each week when used strategically -Practical steps to test and implement a four-day model without disruption If you’re ready to start reclaiming time and leading more effectively, explore these ideas mentioned in the episode: -It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work — Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson -Shorter and Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang -Connect with Hannah at TheSecondMile.com or at LinkedIn.com/in/Hannah-R-Collins/ 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop measuring success by how long you work and start focusing on what truly matters, you’ll build a business—and a life—that’s both productive and human. That’s the heart of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders feel caught between impossible expectations. Be driven, but stay humble. Strive for excellence, but give yourself grace. Speak with candor, but never lose kindness. If that tension sounds familiar, this episode will change how you lead. Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Tim Arnold — international keynote speaker, best-selling author, and leadership coach — to reveal how embracing tension instead of trying to solve it is the true mark of great leadership. Something Tim and J.J. have come to call “the dance.” You’ll learn how to stop chasing perfect balance and start managing life’s most critical leadership paradoxes — drive and grace, striving and accepting, candor and kindness — so you can lead with confidence and compassion. By the end, you’ll know how to create a culture where people feel both challenged and cared for — and where your leadership finally feels sustainable. Here’s what you’ll take away: -Why balance is a myth — and tension is the real goal -How to hold high expectations without losing grace -The difference between striving and accepting (and why you need both) -Why true confidence requires humility -How candor and kindness together build trust that lasts 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop trying to solve the tension and start learning to dance with it, you’ll discover a whole new way to lead — with both strength and softness. That’s the heart of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Have you ever worried that if you’re honest about your struggles, your team will lose respect for you? Many leaders default to fear and control to protect authority but that approach actually kills creativity and trust. On this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson shows why being “safe” doesn’t mean being weak. True safety creates environments where teams can take risks, tell the truth, and do their best work. Skill may get you in the room, but character is what keeps you there. This week J.J. is joined by Blaine Hogan — a creative director and storyteller who has worked with Nike, LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more. Blaine shares how panic attacks, failure, and rebuilding character shaped his leadership and why honesty and vulnerability became the very tools that made him stronger. His story shows you how to stop leading from fear, build the kind of trust that fuels creativity, and turn personal setbacks into the credibility your team needs to follow you. You’ll take away: -Why “safe” doesn’t mean “soft” and how safety drives performance -How fear-based leadership destroys creativity and trust -Why character outlasts skill in every leadership role -How honesty and vulnerability strengthen your authority -Practical ways to build teams that take risks and deliver results 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop leading from fear and start leading with courage and character, you’ll create the kind of culture where people and performance can truly thrive. That’s the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

If your business is just delivering “good service,” you may already be forgettable. Customers don’t talk about good — they remember extraordinary. Those are the moments that earn loyalty, spark word-of-mouth, and make your business unforgettable. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks lessons from Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality — the philosophy that turned 11 Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world. For J.J., this isn’t just about restaurants; it’s about how leaders in any industry can pair ambition with heart to create experiences people never forget. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: -Why “good service” is black and white, but true hospitality is in color -How small, intentional gestures create lasting loyalty -The three pillars of unreasonable hospitality: connection, generosity, and systems -Why hospitality is the ultimate competitive advantage in today’s world -Practical ways leaders can surprise, delight, and create impact people never forget Unreasonable hospitality isn’t about grand gestures or massive budgets. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and systematizing moments of care that make people feel seen and valued. When you lead this way, you don’t just stand out — you create a culture where both your team and your customers thrive. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify Start creating the kind of unforgettable moments that win loyalty, spark growth, and redefine what leadership looks like. That’s the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

If you confuse, you lose. It’s the single biggest mistake leaders and businesses make — and it’s costing them influence, connection, and growth. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson breaks down the StoryBrand framework and shows why story is the most powerful tool for capturing attention and driving action. Most leaders put themselves at the center of the story, but your customers don’t need another hero — they need a guide. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: -Why customers always want to be the hero — and how to step into the guide role -How “if you confuse, you lose” explains why most leaders fail to inspire action -The 7 elements of a clear and compelling story (and how to apply them in leadership & marketing -How clarity in communication builds trust, motivates teams, and drives result -Practical steps to start using StoryBrand today to lead with impact Through stories and lessons pulled directly from his work with leaders worldwide, J.J. shows how shifting from hero to guide changes everything — for your business, your team, and the people you serve. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify It’s time to stop confusing your audience — and start leading with the clarity, confidence, and compassion of a true Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

This choice defines your future. Every leader lives out four roles: victim, villain, hero, and guide. The question isn’t whether these roles will show up in your story — it’s which one you’ll choose next. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks Donald Miller’s Hero on a Mission framework and shows why your leadership story changes the moment you stop playing small. Through personal stories (including the time he auditioned for a Missy Elliott music video) and insights from leaders he’s worked with around the world, J.J. reveals how to step into a story of courage, growth, and impact. Here's what you'll take away: -Why living in the victim role keeps you stuck and powerless -How villains are created by unhealed pain — and why their story always collapses -The truth about heroes: they’re not fearless, they just keep going -Why the guide role creates the most meaningful life and lasting influence -How to recognize the role you’re playing right now and choose a better one 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify Check out J.J. and Missy Elliot in their sweet DDR battle at https://youtu.be/Q33ujOhLV-E?t=95.   It’s time to stop settling for either/or leadership — and start stepping fully into being ambitious, kind, powerful, and deeply human: a true Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

For too long, leadership has been framed as a false choice: Be loud and aggressive, or compassionate and empathetic. Be ambitious, or be likable. Be respected, or be real. In this premiere episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson reflects on his own career and the leaders he’s worked alongside — and names the tension many of us feel. Too driven for the “soft” spaces, yet not cutthroat enough for the boardroom. For years, he believed you had to choose. But he’s discovered the opposite is true: the leaders who make the greatest impact are unapologetically ambitious and lead with heart. This episode is your starting place for redefining leadership. J.J. shares stories and lessons from his own journey where you’ll learn: -The false choices that keep leaders stuck (strong OR compassionate, respected OR real) -Why choosing “either/or” in leadership always leads to frustration -How the most impactful leaders combine ambition with empathy -A new framework for leading with both strength and softness -Practical steps to begin stepping more fully into being a Badass Softie 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify ------ It’s time to stop believing you have to choose — and start leading with both strength and softness, the very definition of a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Have you ever felt the tension of trying to imitate other leaders — tough and aggressive on one hand, all passion and heart on the other? Like you had to choose one lane or the other just to be taken seriously? Dr. J.J. Peterson has dealt with that same struggle. But the most successful leaders who inspired him most didn’t pick. They were able to be unapologetically ambitious while still leading with heart. That realization is at the heart of Badass Softie, a new podcast for ambitious leaders like you who want to chase big goals without losing what makes you human. Hosted by Dr. J.J. Peterson — professor, consultant, storyteller, and messaging expert — each episode brings insights from leaders and innovators, along with personal stories and lessons from J.J. himself. In this sneak peek, J.J. shares how the StoryBrand framework transformed his own leadership journey — and how it can help you step more fully into being a Badass Softie. 👉 Subscribe and follow so you’re ready when the first full episode drops on September 22, 2025. Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify You don’t have to play by someone else's outdated leadership rules anymore. Together, we will rewrite what it means to lead as Badass Softies.

Have you ever felt that to be a great leader you have to choose between being loud and aggressive or compassionate and empathetic? You're too driven for the “soft” spaces, yet not cutthroat enough for the boardroom. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose. Badass Softie is a new podcast for leaders who are unapologetically ambitious and want to lead with heart. Hosted by Dr. J.J. Peterson — professor, nonprofit leader, Hollywood storyteller, and messaging expert — J.J. has seen firsthand that the most impactful leaders don’t sacrifice one for the other. They chase big goals while leading with courage, vulnerability, and heart. Each episode brings you insights from leaders and innovators, along with personal stories and lessons from J.J. himself. The goal is always the same: to help you step more fully into being a Badass Softie — a leader who is ambitious, kind, powerful, and deeply human. Badass Softie launches September 22, 2025. Subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts — and watch episodes on YouTube at @BadassSoftie. It’s time to step fully into the kind of leader you were made to be, without playing by the outdated rules you were told to follow. Become a Badass Softie starting September 22.