Media Predictions for 2026 with Evan Shapiro
<p>I sat down with Evan Shapiro, the legendary media cartographer and author of the must-read substack Media War and Peace, to kick off 2026 with bold predictions about where our industry is heading. Evan didn't hold back as he unpacked the tension between AI-driven automation and the raw authenticity that makes creators so powerful. We explored how scale and reach are becoming vanity metrics, while fandom and engagement are what truly matter now. From Under Armor to Procter & Gamble, major brands are launching their own content channels and becoming creators themselves rather than just renting influencers. This isn't your typical...
30 min
2026 January 6
Episode #84: Stop Blaming Men. Stop Blaming Women. Start Telling the Truth.
<p>In this solo episode, I'm addressing something that's been showing up constantly in my therapy room—and frankly, it's been irritating me more and more. Husbands are sending their wives viral videos that essentially say: "This is why I'm losing attraction to you. This is what you're doing wrong."</p><p>And I need to talk about why this isn't helping anyone.</p><p>I'll walk you through:</p><p>✅ Why sending your wife a video that blames her destroys communication before it even starts</p><p>✅ The dangerous message behind "men pull away because women lose their softness"</p><p>✅...
THE MONEY RESET (Part 2): How to Rebuild Trust, Ease, and Safety With Money
<p >If money has started to feel safer but still unpredictable, or if you know pushing harder is no longer the answer, this episode will help you reconnect with steadiness and momentum. </p> <p >In part two of The Money Reset, Tiffany Carter walks through how to actually begin shifting money from pressure back into support. This episode focuses on nervous system regulation, the role of support, and why safety must come before ease if you want sustainable income and peace. </p> <p >RESOURCES MENTIONED: </p> <p >!!LAST CHANCE!! to apply this year: My Exclusive 2-Month Private Business Coaching Program...
#106 Sales Expert: 3 Ways To Get A YES Every Time | Ryan Serhant
<p>Most people think sales is about talking. Ryan Serhant knows better — it's about translating. After closing over $20 billion in real estate deals and building one of the fastest-growing brokerages in America, the star of Netflix's Owning Manhattan has cracked the code on how to get anyone to say yes. From selling homes to billionaires to building a media empire on the back of reality TV, Ryan reveals the brutal truth about what it actually takes to win at the highest level.</p> <p><br></p> <p>In this raw conversation, Ryan breaks down the orchid trick (he's sent 2,000 of th...
Podcasts
How to save a magazine, with The Atlantic’s Nicholas Thompson
<p>When Nicholas Thompson took over as CEO of The Atlantic five years ago, the iconic magazine was in financial trouble. Now, its profitable and subscriber and revenue numbers are growing. Thompson joins host Jeff Berman to talk about the impressive turnaround, how media companies can weather AI disruption, and lessons from the world of long distance running.</p><p>His new memoir is The Running Ground: A father, a son, and the simplest of sports: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678434/the-running-ground-by-nicholas-thompson/</p><p>Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/</p><p>See Privacy P...
THE MONEY RESET (Part 3): How to Receive w/o Anxiety & Stop Recreating Pressure
<p >If things start to improve but you still feel the urge to rush, overwork, or tighten control, this episode explains why — and how to stop repeating that cycle. </p> <p >In part three of The Money Reset, Tiffany Carter explores why ease can feel uncomfortable after long periods of stress, why people unconsciously recreate urgency, and how to let money support your life without guilt, self-sabotage, or over-responsibility. </p> <p >RESOURCES MENTIONED: </p> <p >!!LAST CHANCE!! to apply this year: My Exclusive 2-Month Private Business Coaching Program APPLY HERE (*serious applicants only please) </p> <p >**Holiday Abundance Sale** Make Mo...
#111 How To Build Self-Discipline (5 Step Routine) | Ryan Holiday
<p >Most people think discipline is about willpower. Ryan Holiday knows better — it's about habit. After writing multiple bestselling books on Stoicism and spending decades studying history's highest performers, the author of The Obstacle Is The Way and Ego Is The Enemy has cracked the code on why the world's hardest workers aren't just talented or lucky. They've built systems that make discipline inevitable.</p><p ></p><p >In this raw conversation, Ryan breaks down the exact frameworks used by Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus to stay calm under fire, make sharper decisions under pressure, and most importantly — get things done...
Episode 356 - What Entrepreneurs Actually Need From Their Church | Mark Grunden & Josh Seabaugh
<p>Join host Justin Forman with Mark Grunden and Josh Seabaugh for a pivotal conversation about the unprecedented opportunity emerging at the intersection of church and entrepreneurship. Recorded during Faith Driven Entrepreneur's staff retreat in Charleston, this episode unpacks groundbreaking Barna research revealing that society trusts entrepreneurs twice as much as pastors—and why this isn't a threat, but rather the church's greatest partnership opportunity.</p><p>Mark brings unique insight from seven years at Saddleback Church pioneering marketplace ministry, while Josh shares lessons from a decade as a campus pastor before joining FDE full-time. Together, they reveal why starting wi...
Why Brands Should Stop Avoiding News with Jack Marshall
<p>Why Brands Should Stop Avoiding News with Jack Marshall</p><p>Brands have long shied away from advertising in news, fearing controversy or association with “negative” stories; but that hesitation is costing them results. This week, Mike Shields talks with Jack Marshall, Head of News at DoubleVerify, about why avoiding news is a missed opportunity and how advertisers can take a smarter, more nuanced approach to brand safety and suitability.</p><p>Jack shares insights from DV’s research, which shows that news content drives 16% more engagement than non-news media, and explains how AI-driven tools are helping advertisers target respon...
Episode #82: Faith Deepened This Year— Not Because Life Got Easier. Here's Why
<p>As I record this on December 30th, I'm not in the space of big resolutions or grand declarations for 2025. Instead, I'm sitting with what I've been noticing—about aging, about faith, about what actually sustains us when life shifts beneath our feet.</p><p>At 57 (turning 58 in February), I'm discovering something unexpected: the less I try to control, the freer I feel. It's not that life has gotten easier—it hasn't. But I'm learning to trust more and grip less, and that shift has changed everything.</p><p>In this New Year's reflection, I share what's been on my hear...
#107 To Win You Must Suffer.
<p>Most people think success comes from talent, timing, or luck. The brutal truth? It comes from suffering. After building multiple seven and eight-figure businesses and investing in hundreds of companies, I've learned the one thing nobody wants to tell you: to win, you must be willing to endure more pain than everyone else. This isn't about motivation or manifestation — it's about the cold, hard reality of what it actually takes to build the life you want in 2025 and beyond.</p> <p><br></p> <p>In this raw, unfiltered episode, I break down the four brutal truths that will either ma...
How to Get Your First Million Podcast Downloads in a Hard to Reach Market with Maria Calanchini: An EOFire Classic from 2022
<p>From the archive - This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant.</p> <p>Maria Calanchini is a digital entrepreneur. She took a 100 year old Public Domain property and turned it into an original children's podcast called Goop Tales with over one million downloads.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. There are no rules for being successful.</p> <p>2. The best way to engage with your audience is...
From Peak Performance to Peak Fulfillment: How the Fully Alive Mastery System Transforms High Achievers into Whole-Life Leaders with Larry G. Freeney
<p>Born in controversy, baptized by tragedy, tempered through extreme endurance: Larry G. Freeney is a Cognitive Engineer, Life Design Architect, Endurance Athlete, Radio Host, Visionary, Autodidact, Educator, Husband and Father.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. Success isn't about external achievements; it's about who you become through growth and transformation.</p> <p>2. The greater the gap between who you are and who you're called to be, the more emotional pain you'll feel. Closing that gap is the work of a lifetime.</p> <p>3. Forced transformational events create rapid breakthroughs by pushing you into deep discomfort and awakening your...
2026 Glow Up Protocol: (The Bank Account & Business) How to Make More Money in 2026 w/o Sacrificing your Wellbeing
<p >If your business is profitable but your life feels depleted, your growth strategy is misaligned with your nervous system. </p> <p >In this episode of the 2026 Glow Up Protocol, I break down why so many high-achieving entrepreneurs feel chronically stressed around money even when they are earning more than ever, and how to shift into a new income identity that no longer trades peace for profit. </p> <p >This episode is for business owners who are done building from burnout and ready to grow in a way that protects their energy, health, and mental clarity. </p> <p > RESOURCES MENTIONED:<...
Episode #83: Brenda Prato on Beyond Romance: What the Church Really Asks Before You Say "I Do"
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Brenda Prato, a canon lawyer from Malta who serves as Defender of the Bond in the Archdiocese of Liverpool and as a collegial judge in the Archdiocese of Armagh. As a married mother of two pursuing her doctorate in canon law at KU Leuven, Brenda brings both professional expertise and deeply personal insight to one of the Church's most misunderstood processes: marriage annulments.</p><p>I'll walk you through:</p><p>✅ What consent actually means in marriage—and why it's so much more than romance</p><p>✅ The difference between covenant and contra...
429. 7 Things to Stop Pretending to Care About in The New Year
The science of fresh starts
<p>To kick off 2026, we’re revisiting our conversation with behavioral scientist Katy Milkman. The Wharton professor and bestselling author of “How to Change” sits down with host Jeff Berman to share proven ways to create positive, lasting changes in our lives and our organizations.</p><p>Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/</p><p>See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.</p>
#109 Stop Rambling: The 3-2-1 Speaking Trick That Makes You Sound Like A CEO
<p>Most people think communication is about what you say. It’s not. It’s about what happens in the listener’s brain before you finish your sentence. This episode breaks down the neuroscience of communication and why charisma is overrated. Real influence comes from how the brain processes sound, novelty, and behavior in real time.</p> <p><br></p> <p>You’ll learn the communication frameworks used by top performers, executives, and elite negotiators including vocal entrainment, micro-behavior mirroring, attention psychology, dopamine triggers, storytelling science, and credibility language patterns. We cover how to speak in short, high-impact bursts, use question...
#105 The Confidence Expert: How To Build UNSHAKEABLE Self Confidence | Mark Manson
<p>Most people think confidence is about believing you'll succeed. Mark Manson knows better — it's about being comfortable with failure. After writing one of the best-selling nonfiction books of all time and spending nearly two decades studying human psychology, the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck has cracked the code on why Gen Z is struggling with relationships, why therapy culture might be making us worse, and why your emotions are a system that needs managing just like your business.</p> <p><br></p> <p>In this raw conversation, Mark breaks down the alarming statistics be...
Episode #77: Why Therapy Might Not Be Working for You
<p>In this solo episode, I share a profound realization that's been brewing in my practice for years—one that finally crystallized after listening to two Norbertine priests discuss the spiritual roots of psychotherapy. As a registered psychotherapist, I've helped countless clients function better, organize their thoughts, and reduce their symptoms. But something always felt hollow, both in my work and in the people I serve.</p><p>I'll walk you through:</p><p>✅ Why therapy can clean the house of your mind but cannot fill the emptiness inside</p><p>✅ The powerful visualization of thoughts as electrons orbiting around God as...
Episode 357 - Why Pro Sports Is the Greatest ROI for Gospel Impact | Steve Stenstrom
<p>Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Steve Stenstrom, President of Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO), for a compelling conversation about the explosive intersection of faith and sports. After 55 years of faithful discipleship in the locker room, PAO is witnessing an unprecedented moment where athletes are boldly proclaiming Christ on the world's biggest stages—and the data reveals why this matters more than you might think.</p><p>From a women's cricket semi-final watched by 500 million people to NFL press conferences, athletes are using their platforms to declare what matters most. Steve shares why he believes pro sports re...
#114 9 Ways To Handle Toxic People (And Take Back Your Power)
<p >Most people think communication is about being right. It's not. It's about controlling the frame. After years of navigating toxic bosses, difficult business partners, and high-stakes negotiations across Wall Street and Main Street, I've cracked the code on why difficult people always seem to win — and how to beat them at their own game without becoming one of them.</p><p ></p><p >Today I’m breaking down the nine strategies I use to handle toxic people. You'll learn why the loudest person dominates early but loses later, how Harvard research shows people interpret facts to protect their ego (not...
2026 Glow Up Protocol: (THE BRAIN) How to Stop Overthinking & Feel Mentally Clear in 2026 Even If You're Foggy Right Now
<p >Overthinking is not a character flaw. It is a biological response to uncertainty, pressure, and identity change. </p> <p > </p> <p >In this episode of the 2026 Glow Up Protocol, I teach you how to stop fighting your brain and start working with it so you can finally experience mental clarity, calm focus, and confident decision-making in 2026. </p> <p > </p> <p >This is especially for high-achieving entrepreneurs, spiritually minded leaders, and anyone who feels mentally exhausted from trying to figure everything out. </p> <p > </p> <p >RESOURCES MENTIONED: </p> <p > </p> <p >!!LAST CHANCE!! to apply this year: My Exclusive 2...
How to be more strategic at work (Reissue)
<p>724. Being strategic at work is about focusing less on quantity—how much you can get done—and leaning instead on doing the right stuff in the wisest and most impactful ways. Here are three strategies to unlock that superpower.</p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.</p><p>Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.</p><p>Modern Mentor is a part...
Anti-polarizing strategies from a purple city, with OKC Mayor David Holt
<p>Mayors are unique leaders in America, often more loved and less polarized than state or federal politicians, with a different mandate and metric for success. Mayor of Oklahoma City, David Holt, is also the current president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and he joins Rapid Response to discuss how cities deliver for their residents, navigate macroeconomic forces and federal policy, and improve public trust. Holt shares what it means to govern a politically “purple” city, and how forces of politics and society may make us appear to be more polarized than we really are.</p><p>Visit the...
High-Tech, Low-Touch Failure: How Banks Can Fix the Experience Gap
<p>Banks love to claim they are high-tech and high-touch. The truth is, most are neither, and the gap between what institutions promise and what customers experience is widening fast. It is costing banks billions in lost trust, slower growth, and missed opportunities, especially as expectations accelerate across the rest of people’s financial lives.</p> <p>At Fintech NerdCon in Miami, I sat down with two leaders who are actually closing that gap. Siya Vansia, Chief Brand and Innovation Officer at ConnectOne Bank, and Suzan Chaffin, EVP of Solutions at LoanPro, are showing what modern banking looks like when te...
#112 How To DESTROY Negative Thoughts (And Rewire Your Brain) | Tony Robbins
<p>Most people think mindset is everything. Tony Robbins knows better — it's what comes before mindset that determines whether you break through or break down. After 49 years coaching everyone from world leaders to suicidal strangers, the legendary peak performance strategist has cracked the code on why most people set goals they never keep, make decisions they never follow through on, and stay stuck in patterns they know are destroying their lives.</p> <p><br></p> <p>In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Tony breaks down the exact three-step formula for creating breakthroughs that actually last: state, story, and strategy — in that orde...
Episode #76: Sr. Orianne Pietra René on Finding God in the Digital Age
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Sr Orianne Pietra René, a Winnipeg-born religious sister with the Daughters of Saint Paul who's bridging ancient faith and modern technology in the most unexpected ways. From her conversion to Catholicism at age 12 to a chance confession that changed everything, Sister Orianne's journey into religious life—and social media ministry—is anything but conventional.</p><p><br></p><p>I'll walk you through:</p><p>✅ How a random priest at a youth conference asked one question that redirected her entire life</p><p>✅ What it really means to "feed the spiritually hungry" through I...
Episode #81: Dani Spies on How Your Nervous System And Diet Work Together
<p>In this episode, health and eating psychology coach Dani Spies shares her transformative journey from chronic dieting to food freedom. As the founder and host of Clean and Delicious, Dani helps women build healthier relationships with food, body, and weight—without restriction or rigid meal plans. Her turning point? Becoming pregnant and finally giving herself permission to stop trying to "fix" her body.</p><p>I'll walk you through:</p><p>✅ Why dieting from a young age created the very problems Dani was trying to solve</p><p>✅ How pregnancy became her pivotal transformation moment when she stopped fighting her bo...
Why Today’s Banking System is Failing Consumers
<p>The biggest threat to consumer financial health isn’t inflation, stagnant wages, or market volatility, but the financial system itself. Not because it’s failing, but because it’s been silently optimized to benefit the most educated, the wealthiest, and the most sophisticated players.</p> <p>In the new book Fixed, a harsh truth is revealed: from daily saving and borrowing to education loans, insurance, and retirement planning, personal finance is designed to disadvantage the very people it seeks to help. Complexity becomes a source of profit. Friction turns into a deliberate feature. And billions of people, from young famili...
From $30k in Debt to an 8-Figure Publishing Empire with Yehuda Niv
<p>Yehuda Niv is the CEO and Co-Founder of Spines, the only comprehensive AI-powered publishing platform simplifying the authorship journey so writers can focus on what they do best - telling great stories. The Spines platform revolutionizes every aspect of the publishing process, from editing, proofreading, and formatting to cover design, distribution, and marketing. Authors simply need to upload their manuscripts, and within less than three weeks, they will be able to see their books published, optimized, and available to readers globally. The company's total funding stands at 22.5 million dollars.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. Perfection is the...
Episode #78: Why Your Mind Feels Like It's Working Against You
<p>In this solo episode, I dive deeper into what I started exploring last week—why our minds feel so chaotic despite our best intentions. As a psychotherapist, I've watched clients struggle with scattered thoughts, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue, assuming something is fundamentally broken. But what if nothing is wrong with you? What if your faculties are simply responding to impossible demands?</p><p>I'll walk you through:</p><p>✅ The Catholic map of your interior life—intellect, will, memory, imagination, passions, and body</p><p>✅ Why chaos happens when these faculties stop working together (and how to spot which on...
#108 Ciara: How To Manifest Anything (And Win At Life)
<p>Most people know Ciara as a Grammy winning superstar with 23 million albums sold and hits like “Goodies” and “Level Up.” What they don’t know is how a military kid with no connections built one of the most durable careers in entertainment and is now quietly building a business empire across rum and kids fashion. </p> <p><br></p> <p>In this conversation, Ciara walks through the three goals she wrote down at 13 that led to a record deal at 16, millions of albums sold by 19, and a 21 year career that’s still evolving. She talks about why it’s necessary to s...
Can Brands Really Spend $37 Billion with Creators?
<p>I had the incredible opportunity to bring together some of the brightest minds in the creator economy for an evening of candid conversation about where this industry is headed. From ad tech innovations to creator authenticity, we covered the full spectrum of what it takes to turn creator content into scalable, revenue-generating partnerships. Conor McKenna from Luma and Zoe Soon from the IAB kicked things off with a macro view of the space, discussing how fragmented media is creating massive opportunities for technology to step in. We explored why brands are shifting budgets at unprecedented rates, with Unilever committing 50...
Episode 353 - This CEO Built a $1B Company In 5 Years Without Compromising His Faith | Bill Yeargin
<p>Join host Justin Forman for a milestone conversation with Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft, as they celebrate the company's 100th anniversary. From refusing bribes that led to bankruptcy, to refusing to work Sundays during WWII, to growing from a $39 million company facing the Great Recession to surpassing $1 billion—this is a masterclass in values-driven leadership that stands the test of time.</p><p>Bill shares the dramatic "God moments" that convinced him to become the fifth CEO in five years at a broken company, and how a controversial service trip to Mexico became the turning point that saved th...
Business world predictions for 2026
<p>As we turn from reflection to what’s ahead for a new year, Rapid Response presents host Bob Safian’s predictions for the most pressing issues business leaders could face in 2026. Join Bob and producer Alex Morris for a surprisingly hopeful conversation about what’s next – from an AI reality check to energy prices, immigration, and even the World Cup. Safian walks us through what might happen, and why being “right” matters less than sparking debate, testing assumptions, and taking a clear-headed approach in the year ahead.</p><p>Read all of Bob's predictions: https://www.fastcompany.com/91462356/8-bold-business-predictions-for-2026</p><p>Visit t...
Banks Are Wasting 50% of Their Marketing Budget
<p>Consumers don’t want more banking messages — they want relevance. And right now, most banks are wildly out of sync with what their communities actually need.</p> <p>Consumers want communication that reflects their neighborhood, life stage, and immediate financial needs — and broad, one-size-fits-all marketing isn’t effective. Hyperlocal strategies are emerging as some of the most powerful ways to drive acquisition, strengthen relationships, and capture market share.</p> <p>In this episode of Banking Transformed, I talk with Fred Cadena, Head of Client Strategy at Vericast, about how real-time data, household insights, and neighborhood-level trends are changing the way bank...
How Smosh Endured Numerous Pitfalls Before Becoming a 70-Person Media Powerhouse
<p>I never thought I'd be running a 70-employee media company built around two guys who started making Pokemon sketches in their bedroom. But here we are. When I stepped into the role of CEO of Smosh in early 2023, I wasn't just taking on a business - I was stewarding a 20-year legacy that spans five active YouTube channels, a 15-person cast, and millions of fans worldwide. My background in talent management taught me to think about creators as brands, and that's exactly how I approach Smosh today. We're not just making content - we're building a sustainable entertainment company...
How AI, CX, and Trust Must Coexist
<p>Banking is no longer competing with the branch down the street. It is competing with every digital experience your customers have before they ever open your app. Expectations around speed, simplicity, and trust are being set by big tech, fintechs, and embedded finance, not by traditional financial institutions. And for many banks, that gap is growing.</p> <p>That is why today’s conversation matters. I am joined by Phil Tomlinson, Senior Vice President of Global Offerings at TaskUs, and Pragya Agarwal, Vice President of Financial Crimes and Risk Operations. They sit at the intersection of customer experience, advanced te...
The Buyer of Your Business is a Full-Time Predator and You're Part-Time Prey - Armor Up with Kirk Michie: An EOFire Classic from 2022
<p>From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant.</p> <p>Kirk Michie is the founder of Candor Advisors. For more than 30 years, he has worked with entrepreneurs, closely held business owners, and high net worth families to achieve their strategic planning, liquidity, investment, and legacy objectives.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. Every successful business and every successful founder has figured out, whether through impulses...
The Wealth Formula with Saen Higgins: An EOFire Classic from 2022
<p>From the archive - This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant.</p> <p>Saen Higgins is a world leading expert on investing in tax lien certificates. A passionate public speaker, philanthropist & entrepreneur. He is also a professional photographer and taught 500,000 plus clients to build wealth. He is the founder of Wealth Formula Academy, Saen360.com, and has over 30 years of experience in Real Estate.</p> <p>Top 3 Value...
🎬 Inside the Micro-Drama Boom with Erick Opeka
<p>Summary:<br />This week on Next in Media, Mike Shields talks with Erick Opeka, President & Chief Strategy Officer at Cineverse and board member at the startup Micro Co. Opeka breaks down how short-form “micro-dramas”—already attracting hundreds of millions of daily viewers in China—are taking shape in the U.S. and why they could become a $20 billion category.</p><p>He explains how Cineverse’s 22 streaming services, proprietary Matchpoint technology, and deep ad-tech stack position it to lead this wave. From Quibi’s missteps to AI-driven efficiencies, Opeka shares how the next generation of vertical video could transform storytelling...
2026 Glow Up Protocol: (The Being) How to Feel Like Yourself Again and Become Who You're Meant to Be in 2026
<p >So many high achievers spend years trying to fix their life when what really needs to shift is their identity. If 2025 left you exhausted, disconnected, or wondering where the real version of you went, this conversation will feel like a homecoming. </p> <p >True change in 2026 doesn't come from doing more. It comes from becoming someone new on the inside first. </p> <p > </p> <p >In this episode, we go beyond surface level self-improvement and get into the emotional, psychological, and energetic work of remembering who you actually are and deciding who you want to be next. </p> <p > <...
Leading through uncertainty: Why you need an expedition mindset
<p>880. Rachel shares why workplaces need expedition leadership - navigating uncertainty together - instead of tour-guide leadership that performs certainty when there is none.</p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.</p><p>Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.</p><p>Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.</p><p>Links: </p><p>https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/</p><p...
#113 Charisma Expert: 5 Ways To Project Confidence (Even When You Don’t Feel It) | Dr. Shadé Zahrai
<p >Most people think self-doubt is the enemy. Dr. Shadé Zahrai knows better — it's actually a signal. After spending years researching the neuroscience of confidence and studying thousands of high performers, this Harvard-trained leadership expert has cracked the code on why self-doubt never fully disappears and what top performers do differently when it shows up.</p><p ></p><p >In this raw conversation, Dr. Shadé breaks down the exact four drivers of self-doubt that hold people back, why waiting to feel confident is the wrong goal completely (confidence comes after action, not before), how expectation bias creates the reality you expe...
437. What To Do When Success Stops Feeling Right
How to unlock your team’s creative potential
<p>To get the most out of your talent, you need to create an environment that allows them to thrive. Nobody knows this better than Indra Nooyi, who spent 12 years as the CEO of PepsiCo. Her drive to support talent underpinned the initiatives that transformed the company. Hear her conversation with host Reid Hoffman in this episode from our archive.</p><p>Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/</p><p>See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.</p>
Episode 352 - He Solved Africa’s $1 Trillion Food Waste Crisis Using Orange Peels and Faith | Jean-Paul Nageri
<p>Join host Justin Forman in Nairobi, Kenya, as he sits down with Jean-Paul Nageri, co-founder of KaFresh, for an extraordinary conversation about finding divine solutions hidden in plain sight. When Jean-Paul watched his father's banana harvest spoil while waiting for traders, he didn't just see a problem—he saw a calling. What followed was a journey of "God Engineering" that led to a breakthrough preserving produce 10x longer using only natural plant oils.</p><p>This episode explores how entrepreneurs can look to creation itself for answers to massive problems, why cold storage isn't always the answer for Africa, an...
2026 Glow Up Protocol: (THE BRAND) How to Create a Magnetic Personal Brand That Matches Your True Self
<p >Your personal brand is not your logo, your colors, or your social media bio. It is the identity you live from every single day. It is the story you tell about who you are, what you stand for, and what you believe is possible for your life. </p> <p > </p> <p >This episode is the starting point of the 2026 Glow Up Protocol, a six part identity transformation playbook designed for high achievers who feel burnt out, disconnected, and ready to deliberately craft a life that feels aligned instead of draining. This is a completely different way to approach personal...
Episode #85: Eric Zeitler (Part 1) on Why Trauma Isn't Just "In Your Head" - And How Faith Helps Heal It
<p>In this first part of a two-part conversation, Licensed Professional Counselor Eric Zeitler opens up about his innovative approach to therapy that honors both psychological science and Catholic faith. As founder of the Imago Dei Healing Institute, Eric has dedicated his practice to helping clients heal deep wounds while respecting their deeply held values—a balance many Catholics struggle to find in traditional therapy settings.</p><p>Eric shares the powerful story that launched his mission: watching someone close to him refuse therapy after a counselor dismissed their faith during grief work. This experience shaped his commitment to creating a...
Purpose is a verb: How to practice intentional leadership, with Ira Bedzow
<p>878. We often talk about "finding" our purpose as if it’s a destination on a map. But what if purpose isn’t a noun, but a verb? This week, Rachel talks with Ira Bedzow, Executive Director of the Emory Purpose Project. They discuss why purpose belongs in every industry—from real estate to healthcare—and how leaders can move away from "shoulds" to focus on what they actually want to cultivate. Learn how to build your "reflection muscle" and use the power of listening to create a culture where people truly matter.</p><p>Learn more about Ira Bedzow and the...
Shane Atchison and Seth Gordon on Building Zaaz Collective for the Creator Economy
<p>This week on Next in Media, I sat down with Shane Atchison, CEO of Zaaz Collective, and Seth Gordon, a film director and co-founder of Zaaz. We dove into their mission to help micro and mid-level creators (those with 5,000 to 100,000 followers) think and act like media companies. With 96% of creators making minimum wage or less, Shane and Seth saw an opportunity to build a collective where creators could access the data, tools, and intelligence typically reserved for top-tier talent. They shared how Zaaz is using AI-powered analytics, audience insights, and comments-to-commerce strategies to help creators maximize their impact and...
435. What to Do When You're Burned Out and Can't Just Walk Away with Lindsay Kelly
Episode 351 - The Day I Transferred 51% Ownership to God | Bertie Lourens
<h3>Beyond the Bumper Sticker: What It Really Means When God Owns Your Business</h3><p>Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Bertie Lourens, founder of a waste management company that has transformed the lives of 2,300 people across South Africa. Bertie shares his extraordinary journey from near bankruptcy to transferring majority ownership of his company to God—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a legally binding decision that fundamentally changed how he runs his business.</p><p>This episode moves beyond the bumper sticker phrase "God owns my business" to explore what actually happens when you tr...
Episode #80: Your Spouse Isn't Mad—They're Silent. Here's Why.
<p>In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on something that happened between my husband and me on our recent vacation in Mexico—a moment so small, so ordinary, that you might miss it entirely. But this is exactly the kind of moment that quietly erodes long-term relationships without anyone noticing until the distance has already set in.</p><p>This episode isn't about arguing better or fixing dramatic conflicts. It's about something far more subtle and far more common: what happens when one person moves ahead with a decision and the other falls silent. No raised voices. No...
The AI agents in your wallet, with Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach
<p>What did the latest holiday shopping season reveal about consumer confidence as the year begins? Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach joins Rapid Response to unpack the signals he’s seeing across global spending — from shifting consumer sentiment to AI’s growing role in financial security. Miebach also explores how credit cards fit into a future shaped by crypto, digital wallets, and agent-driven commerce, and what it will take for businesses to stay competitive amid continued market disruption.</p><p>Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/</p><p>See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...
The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team with Rob Levin
<p>Rob Levin is a serial entrepreneur helping small businesses win the talent game, co-founding Work Better Now to deliver exceptional Latin American talent and drive growth, innovation, and competitive advantage for hundreds of businesses.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. Your long-term success is not about your product; it's about your team and how well you lead, manage, and develop them.</p> <p>2. Cultural fit outweighs skills every time; hire for attitude and alignment with core values, then upskill for capability.</p> <p>3. Global remote talent unlocks stronger teams, higher margins, and a wider talent pool, it's now...
Episode 354 - This 4-Pillar Model Is Transforming Uganda's Future | Andrew DeVaney
<h3>Solving Big Problems Together: Uganda's Four-Pillar Model for Community Transformation</h3><p>Join host Justin Forman in conversation with Andrew DeVaney, founder of As One Africa, for an inspiring discussion about what it takes to solve interconnected problems in rural Uganda. From his friendship with a rural educator to building a four-pronged model serving 50,000 patients, 4,000 students, and 5,000 farmers annually, Andrew shares how empowering Ugandans to solve Ugandan problems creates sustainable transformation.</p><p>This episode explores the power of earned revenue models over aid dependency, the importance of treating beneficiaries as customers, and why time in the game matters...
How the New York Times Is Evolving Advertising with Tusar Barik
<p>I sat down with Tusar Barik, the SVP of Marketing at the New York Times, who's just past his first year in this newly created role. We explored how the Times has transformed from a traditional newspaper into a multifaceted media company spanning news, games, podcasts, cooking, sports, and more. Tusar leads a comprehensive team managing everything from measurement and data insights to product marketing, editorial advertising opportunities, and traditional communications. What struck me most was learning that the Times now reaches over 150 million registered users with 50 to 100 million weekly engagers, seeing the highest growth among Gen Z adults...
The $800M exit that started with a single muffin
<p>Simple Mills started with its founder Katlin Smith tinkering with almond flour muffin recipes in her apartment kitchen. Over the next decade, she built a better-for-you food powerhouse. Smith talks with host Jeff Berman about scaling the brand, selling the company for nearly $800 million dollars, and staying laser-focused on making delicious snacks with clean, nutrient-dense ingredients.</p><p>Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/</p><p>See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.</p>
2026 Glow Up Protocol: (THE BODY) How to Get Your Energy, Body, & Skin Snatched- Even If You Feel Unmotivated right now
<p >If your energy feels inconsistent, your body no longer responds the way it used to, and your skin seems to reflect stress more than confidence, this episode explains why that is happening at the identity and nervous system level. </p> <p > </p> <p >The 2026 Glow Up Protocol begins with the body because every habit, every discipline pattern, and every glow up is controlled by internal safety signals, not motivation. </p> <p > </p> <p >This episode is part of the 2026 Glow Up Protocol, a 6-part identity reset covering the body, the bank account, the business, the brain, the being, and...
Pioneers of AI: Mark Cuban’s investment strategy in this new era of tech
<p>Mark Cuban has spent decades as a serial entrepreneur and investor, with one of the best track records on the planet (including celebrity status on ABC’s Shark Tank). In this episode of Pioneers of AI, Cuban joins host Rana El Kaliouby for a wide-ranging conversation about whether we are in an AI bubble, how he’s applying his investment philosophy to AI, and why the AI world is tending to excite him less and less each day.</p><p>Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/</p><p>Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapid...
Episode 349 - How Faith and Technology Will Shape the Future of the Church | Pat Gelsinger, Ex-Intel CEO
<h3>At the Gutenberg Moment: How AI is Reshaping Faith, Technology, and Kingdom Impact</h3><p>Join host Justin Forman for a pivotal conversation with Pat Gelsinger in Boulder, Colorado, exploring how faith-driven leaders can steward the most transformative technology cycle of the modern era. From his 45 uninterrupted years in tech to his transition into investing and leading Gloo, Pat shares profound insights on navigating seasons of life, building the faith technology platform, and positioning the church to ride—not watch—the AI wave.</p><p>This episode tackles critical questions about fragmentation in the faith ecosystem, the power of unif...
Top five work lessons from 2025 to carry into the new year
<p>877. As we close the books on a heavy year, Rachel shares her top five work lessons from 2025 to carry into the new year. She looks at why uncertainty is here to stay, how to make AI amplify your humanity, and why the changing nature of workplace loyalty means you need to protect your own career. Start 2026 with a plan to move from worrying to preparing.</p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.</p><p>Find Modern...
433. He Said, She Said: The Secret Rhythms That Made Our Marriage Stronger Through Chaos with Dan Martell
From Immigrant to Industry Leader: Leo Climaco's Story
<p>Leo Climaco is an entrepreneur, communicator, and host of the Leo Climaco Podcast, one of the most authentic shows about purpose, mindset, and performance of the new generation. Founder of Forge Studio, he teaches entrepreneurs how to turn their ideas into authority, using podcasting as a powerful positioning and marketing tool.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. Consistency is the engine of transformation, most people quit three feet from gold.</p> <p>2. Learning a trade and building a personal brand around it is the key to thriving in an AI-driven world.</p> <p>3. Connection to a higher power...
Episode 355 - The Most Obvious Gap in the Church No One Talks About | Mark Vroegop
<p>Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Mark Vroegop, President of The Gospel Coalition, for a timely conversation about the growing but often disconnected faith and work movement. Mark brings a rare dual perspective—thirty years of pastoral ministry combined with deep understanding of entrepreneurial leadership—to address why two of society's most driven groups struggle to connect.</p><p>This episode tackles the practical barriers keeping pastors and entrepreneurs apart, explores how lament and waiting can transform both business loss and leadership pressure, and offers concrete steps for churches ready to empower their entrepreneurial members beyond "park...
Turning Tough Tech Interviews into Wins with Jonathan Corrales
<p>Jonathan Corrales is a tech-industry veteran and founder of Ready Aim Interview, leveraging 20 plus years of software and hiring experience to coach professionals to ace interviews and negotiate top roles.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. The number 1 differentiator in tech hiring isn't talent, it's consistent, disciplined action.</p> <p>2. AI hasn't replaced junior talent; fundamentals, portfolios, and practice still win interviews.</p> <p>3. Motivation fades, discipline systems like the 3-3-3 method shorten job searches dramatically.</p> <p>Explore coaching and resources at his website - Ready Aim Interview</p> <p>Sponsors</p> <p>HighLevel - The...
434. How to Stop Self-Sacrificing and Create Success That Doesn't Deplete You
THE MONEY RESET (Part 1): Why Money Stops Feeling Safe
<p >If money has felt heavy, stressful, or harder than it should this year, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. </p> <p > </p> <p >In part one of The Money Reset, Tiffany Carter breaks down why money can start to feel overwhelming even when you are responsible, capable, and doing everything right. This episode explains the nervous system, psychological, and emotional roots of money stress so you can stop blaming yourself and understand what is actually happening beneath the surface. </p> <p > </p> <p >• Why money can feel harder as responsibility and income increase </p> <p >• The psychology behi...
Episode 358 - The 5 Types of Wealth Every Entrepreneur Needs | Sahil Bloom
<h3>Redefining Wealth: Beyond the Financial Scoreboard with Sahil Bloom</h3><p>Join host Justin Forman for a transformative conversation with Sahil Bloom, content creator, investor, and author of The Five Types of Wealth. In an era where society increasingly questions traditional definitions of success, Sahil offers a framework that resonates across faith lines and cultural boundaries—showing entrepreneurs how to build truly wealthy lives beyond just financial metrics.</p><p>From his own journey of chasing external validation through career achievement to discovering a more holistic definition of success, Sahil shares the pivotal moment that changed everything: realizing he wo...
Fire TV, Alexa Plus & the Future of Shoppable CTV with Amazon's Charlotte Maines
<p>In this special episode recorded live at Amazon UnBox in Nashville, I sit down with Charlotte Maines, Head of Device Advertising for Fire TV at Amazon. We dive into the massive reach of Fire TV—over 300 million devices sold globally—and what that means for brands aiming to connect with high-value, logged-in Amazon customers.</p><p>Charlotte shares how Amazon is evolving the ad experience from simple tune-in campaigns to interactive, full-funnel marketing opportunities. We unpack the growing role of Alexa Plus, Amazon’s new LLM-powered assistant, and how it’s revolutionizing personalized, voice-driven engagement across devices. From shoppable connecte...
How Banking Leaders Can Avoid Becoming Obsolete
<p>Nearly half of the skills banking leaders rely on today will be obsolete within five years.</p> <p>In this episode of Banking Transformed, Jim Marous explores why continuous learning has become the most critical leadership skill in financial services, and why failing to adapt is the fastest path to irrelevance.</p> <p>Jim shares the personal transformation that reshaped his career, explains how AI is accelerating the divide between learners and laggards, and outlines the daily habits leaders must embrace to stay relevant in a world where change will never be this slow again.</p> <p> </p>
Episode #79: Dr. Caryn Zinn on Why What You Eat Affects How You Love
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Professor Caryn Zinn—a powerhouse nutrition researcher and registered dietitian from New Zealand who's spent over 25 years turning conventional dietary advice on its head. As a Professor at Auckland University of Technology, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Metabolic Health, and co-author of the bestselling "What the Fat?" series, Caryn has dedicated her career to helping people understand that the way we fuel our bodies directly impacts our capacity to show up in our relationships, our work, and our lives.</p><p>And here's what struck me most: Caryn gets it. She understands th...
How to Lock In Your Identity Upgrade for 2026 & Not Slip Back Into Old Patterns
<p >2026 New Year's special episode designed to lock in your identity upgrade for 2026 so that your personal growth, money goals, and manifestation breakthroughs actually stick. </p> <p >If you have ever experienced a powerful shift only to slowly fall back into old habits, this episode explains the neuroscience behind why identity regression happens and how to prevent it. </p> <p >RESOURCES MENTIONED: </p> <p >!!LAST CHANCE!! to apply this year: My Exclusive 2-Month Private Business Coaching Program APPLY HERE (*serious applicants only please) </p> <p >**New Year's Abundance Sale** Make More Work Less: The Money Relationship Healing & Manifestation Program GET...
The Digital Banking Company Chime Wants CTV to Work Just Like Meta
<p>This week I had the chance to sit down with two fascinating guests who are at the forefront of bridging the worlds of digital performance marketing and traditional television advertising. Nick Fairbairn, VP of Growth Marketing at Chime, and Andy Schonfeld, CRO at Tatari, walked me through how they've transformed Chime from a pure digital-first, DTC neobank brand built on social and search into a sophisticated advertiser that runs television campaigns with the same performance mindset they apply to Meta and Google. Their partnership has evolved from small linear TV tests six years ago to a comprehensive full-funnel TV...
5 moves to beat uncertainty and build a better 2026
<p>876. It's been a hard year. As we head into 2026, Rachel shares five practices to help you focus on what you can control and make your work better.</p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.</p><p>Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.</p><p>Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.</p><p>Links: </p><p>https://w...
Why leaders should stop solving and start inviting change
<p>873. Employees are waiting for leaders to fix work. Leaders are drowning trying to fix everything. Rachel explains why both sides are stuck in an outdated model - and how to break free.</p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.</p><p>Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.</p><p>Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.</p><...
How the NFL Dominates the Creator Economy with Ian Trombetta
<p>In this week's episode of Next in Media, I sat down with Ian Trombetta, SVP of Social Influencer and Content Marketing for the NFL. We dove deep into how the league is winning the creator economy by building long-term partnerships with rising stars like Kai Cenat, Sketch, and Mr. Beast. Ian shared how his team identifies talent before they blow up, creating authentic relationships that benefit both the creators and the NFL's global reach. What struck me most was how the NFL isn't just throwing money at big names - they're investing in momentum and cultural relevance, finding creators...
The power of watching
<p>875. As we close out the year, Rachel explores why observation - not action - might be the key to unlocking what's already working. Learn how to find your bright spots and carry them into the new year.</p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.</p><p>Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.</p><p>Modern Mentor is a part of...
The Banking Growth Opportunity Banks Keep Missing
<p>Nearly half of U.S. households are living paycheck to paycheck, yet millions of financially capable people are denied access to affordable credit. That is not a consumer failure. It is a system failure.</p> <p>I recently spoke at the Hope Global Forums in Atlanta, where the focus is on economic opportunity. I challenged the banking industry to address a blind spot. We rely on outdated credit models that look backward, not at real cash flow, real behavior, or real potential.</p> <p>When credit is denied, education alone does not work, mobility stalls, and banks lose the...
What Snoop Dogg can teach you about workplace collaboration
<p>879. Rachel shares what the workplace can learn from how celebrities choose collaboration partners - and how to make collaboration work even when it's not your choice.</p><p> </p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.</p><p>Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.</p><p>Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.</p><p>Links: </p><p>ht...
How Baby2Baby stepped up as LA wildfires raged
<p>One year ago, as devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, nonprofit Baby2Baby was on the ground helping. We're revisiting the conversation Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof had on stage with host Jeff Berman in 2025 about what it was like to use everything they’d learned scaling their nonprofit to help their hometown in a moment of crisis.</p><p>Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/</p><p>See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.</p>
436. From Firing My Team to Finding My Leadership Style: 3 Lessons on Real Leadership
Episode 350 - Building a $5B Counter-Trafficking Industry | Tim Tebow & Wes Lyons
<p>Join host Justin Forman in Boulder, Colorado, for a powerful conversation with Tim Tebow and Wes Lyons at the Clapham gathering—where 150 entrepreneurs are uniting to disrupt one of the world's darkest evils: human trafficking. This episode explores how for-profit ventures, nonprofit organizations, and churches can collaborate to create an unprecedented counter-trafficking industry worth billions.</p><p>Tim shares the heartbreaking story that launched his anti-trafficking work: his father's decision to purchase the freedom of four girls at an underground pastor's conference. Wes reveals how entrepreneurs are building sustainable businesses that fight trafficking—from training frontline healthcare workers to crea...
The 3 fundamental human needs that aren't changing about work, with JP Elliot
<p>874. In a world defined by change, what are the human elements of work that remain constant? We look at this question with JP Elliot, founder of Future of HR Consulting. He identifies the three fundamental needs employees will always demand from their work experience: to get along, get ahead, and find meaning. Learn why anchoring your leadership strategy on these principles is the key to creating an engaged, high-performing team, regardless of technological shifts like AI.</p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern...
#110 How To Set Goals For 2026 That You’ll Actually Follow Through On
<p >Most people think goal setting is about writing down what you want. It's not. It's about creating gravitational pull so strong that your entire life reorganizes around what you're building. After 15 years of setting and hitting impossible goals — from building multiple businesses to launching a top podcast to selling a million books — I've cracked the code on why most people fail and the few who win do it differently.</p><p ></p><p >In this episode, I break down my exact five-step process for setting goals you'll actually follow through on in 2026. You'll learn the regret minimization framework from Jeff...
428. From People Pleaser to Profit Maker: The Wealthy Woman's Blueprint
432. The 6 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Step Into the New Year
Why BofA Is Betting on Branches
<p>What if the biggest myth in banking is that customers don’t need branches anymore?</p> <p>Because every time Bank of America opens a new financial center, digital sales in that market jump by 50 percent. Physical presence isn’t competing with digital — it’s accelerating it.</p> <p>Now, Bank of America is putting $750 million behind a bet the rest of the industry walked away from too soon, opening 150 new financial centers across 60 markets by 2027 at more than $5 million per location. Bold? Yes. Contradictory? Maybe. But the timing suggests something deeper: after shrinking from 6,000 branches to about 3,700, they now beli...
Resurrecting dire wolves is just the beginning for Colossal Biosciences’ Ben Lamm
<p>In this encore episode of Rapid Response, we revisit a scientific breakthrough that set the internet ablaze: The ‘de-extinction’ of the dire wolf. While many celebrated Colossal Biosciences’ announcement, the experiment also sparked controversy throughout the scientific community — namely the ethics of birthing and re-wilding extinct animals, and whether Colossal’s dire wolf puppies are the real thing. Colossal’s co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm joined host Bob Safian to take us inside the dire wolf journey, revealing how the startup attracted a roster of celebrity investors, and what the company’s technology means for not only conservation and biodiversity, b...
Core Modernization, AI, and the Future of Banking
<p>Every bank today is trying to appear modern. But you can’t operate a digital institution with a core system that hasn’t been updated since the iPhone was introduced.</p> <p>After years of adding new features on top of outdated infrastructure, the limitations become clear: legacy cores slow innovation, hinder personalization, and make it nearly impossible to compete in an AI-driven world.</p> <p>Modernization is no longer just a tech project. It’s a strategic choice for whether a bank can stay competitive. Banks adopting unified, modern architectures aren’t doing it for appearances; they’re doing it b...
AI Is Breaking Banking’s Scale Advantage
<p>The biggest competitive advantage in banking right now isn’t scale … it’s speed. According to PwC, GenAI is reshaping the balance of power across financial services, and the banks that move fastest will define the next era of growth.</p> <p>In fact, 58% of banking leaders believe generative and agentic AI will be the single most transformative force in the industry over the next three years, and 55% already consider it their top investment priority—more than any other sector in financial services.</p> <p>What’s truly disruptive is that AI is leveling the playing field. Smaller, more agile inst...
Beyond the Stereotype: How Life Insurance Became a Startup for a New Generation with Brian Pope
<p>Brian Pope, Founder and Chairman of Quility (2024 Insurtech of the Year), is a transformative executive with almost 40 years of experience driving product and distribution innovation in the life insurance industry.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. You don't need to be ruthless to win in business. Kindness and strength can coexist and still drive massive success.</p> <p>2. The life insurance industry is in a "gold rush" moment where tech advancement and agent attrition create unprecedented opportunity.</p> <p>3. Long-term success comes from commitment, duplication, and continuous self-leadership not overnight wins.</p> <p>Intelligent automation applications and tailored...
Why Do I Feel Stuck Even Though I Know What to Do? | Entrepreneur Burnout, Identity Shifts & Nervous System Overload
<p >If you're an entrepreneur who feels stuck, unmotivated, or disconnected — even though you know exactly what to do — this episode will feel like a deep exhale. </p> <p >Many business owners experience burnout, nervous system overload, and identity shifts right before a major growth phase. </p> <p >In this episode, Tiffany Carter breaks down why success can suddenly feel heavy, why motivation disappears, and why this isn't a strategy problem — it's an internal recalibration. </p> <p >RESOURCES MENTIONED: </p> <p >!!LAST CHANCE!! to apply this year: My Exclusive 2-Month Private Business Coaching Program APPLY HERE (*serious applicants only please) </p> <p...
It’s time to rethink your “productivity” (Reissue)
<p>718. “Productivity” is the thing we’ve been chasing for years—more, better, faster. But is it really serving us? Or is it time for us to rethink how we measure what the increments of our success?</p> <p><p>Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.</p><p>Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.</p><p>Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.</p><p>Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirt...
431. The Surprising Reason You Can't Get Anything Done
430. What I Want You to Remember This Christmas (A Love Letter to Women Building Big Things)
Control Everything, Own Nothing with Rick Williams: An EOFire Classic from 2022
<p>From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant.</p> <p>Rick Williams is the author of Control Everything, Own Nothing and creator of the Financial IQ Challenge.</p> <p>Top 3 Value Bombs</p> <p>1. Hurry up to get it wrong because the quicker you get it wrong, the faster you will be able to do something right.</p> <p>2. You can avoid probate and estate taxes...
the $100 Billion Hidden Fraud Crisis
<p>Thirty to fifty percent of your fraud losses don't come from hackers or organized crime rings. They come from your own customers disputing legitimate transactions under their own names. This is first-party fraud, and it's a $100 billion problem that most financial institutions don't even track as a separate category.</p> <p>While banks use advanced tools to detect external fraudsters, their own account holders are taking advantage of long-standing dispute processes meant to protect consumers, turning chargebacks into weapons against the very institutions that serve them.</p> <p>The math is staggering: this single category now accounts for up...
