Do you ever wish you could sit down with the most interesting people on the planet and just talk?
That’s precisely what happens on Talking to Cool People. I sit down with thought leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and disruptors for honest, unfiltered conversations.
Sometimes, it’s about expertise. Sometimes, it’s a powerful story. And sometimes—it’s just a damn entertaining conversation. Whether you’re here for insight, inspiration, or laughs, you’ll leave with something to think about and something to implement.
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listen to the latest episodes
Jason talks with Richard White, the CEO of Fathom AI Note Taker. They talk about Richard's journey to becoming a successful founder, why a free product is sometimes the best marketing strategy for growth, and how he thinks about what it takes to successfully scale a team of people from below ten to over fifty.
“When you build a business, build one that plays to your strengths—not what someone else tells you to do.”
Jason sits down with James Harrington, the CEO and founder of the Ugandan Water Project (UWP), to discuss his mission of providing clean and accessible water to communities in Uganda. James shares his journey from working in retail and tour management to becoming a leader in global humanitarian efforts. Together, Jason and James explore the power of water, the impact of grassroots efforts, and the challenges of running a nonprofit like a high-performance business.
“When you have safe water, you have the privilege of a thousand problems. When you don’t, you only get one.”
In this episode, Jason talks with Ellen Patnaude, author, coach, and dementia educator, about her journey as a caregiver for her mother with Lewy body dementia. Ellen shares her experiences navigating family dynamics, systemic gaps in elder care, and the importance of planning for the future. With honesty and humor, this conversation offers practical insights and support for anyone dealing with caregiving challenges or aging parents.
“Plan. Talk to your loved ones, an attorney, and put something in writing. Don’t leave the burden of guessing to your family.”
Tamsen is back again for another episode with Jason! They delve into the intricate dance of driving and adapting to change. . Together, they explore the depths of handling change — from personal upheavals to organizational shifts, emphasizing strategies that foster lasting transformations without coercion.
"If you act from a presumption that your audience is smart, capable, and good, you open up pathways for understanding and acceptance that are otherwise closed."
I sit down with Dr. Mitch Kusy, an organizational psychologist, professor, and leadership expert, to explore the hidden costs of toxic workplace cultures. Dr. Kusy shares the startling results of his research into how toxic behaviors not only damage team morale but can also have real financial impacts on organizations. Whether you’re a leader struggling with cultural challenges or someone looking to understand how to make your work environment healthier, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for creating a positive, productive workplace.
“94% of the 900-plus leaders in our study said they deal with toxic work systems. 94%—it's really amazing.”
Jason Frazell sits down with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a physician, author, and CEO of Restorist, to explore the concept of rest in a way you've never heard before. Learn about the seven types of rest, when Dr. Saundra knew she was at her breaking point and so much more!
"Rest is not just the absence of activity; it's about restoring the energy in the areas of your life that have been depleted."
Jason and Bryce discuss Bryce's pivot from a traditional family-owned business to a software company, the opportunities and perils of running the company in a slow-moving industry, and why it's important never to accept the status quo.
"I've always been the type of person wired to, when I see a problem, I want to find a solution for it."
My guest this week is Manali Yavatkar founder and CEO of Palm, a company revolutionizing how we handle food waste at home. We chat about sustainability, Manali's journey from tech engineer to founder and the challenges associated with starting a business, no matter the industry.
"We're not just designing products; we're creating solutions for everyday environmental challenges."
Leslie Danford, founder of Vitaminis, shares her entrepreneurial journey from working in corporate environments to launching her own wellness company during a global pandemic. Leslie discusses the challenges of creating a health-focused business, balancing family life, and the insights gained from her experience in the consumer goods and hospitality industries. This episode offers valuable lessons on perseverance, health, and business innovation for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or personal wellness.
"There's a lot of shade you can get away with in corporate, but in your own business, you live with the consequences of every single decision."
Like the Avengers all came back in Endgame (spoiler!), Mike Ganino is back for round 2 on the podcast!
Mike joins Jason for a high-energy, no-fluff conversation on what it really takes to communicate with impact. Mike—speaker coach, improv performer, keynote director, and now author of Make a Scene—shares why storytelling, stage presence, and vocal delivery are critical skills for anyone looking to own their space in meetings, sales, and leadership.
From bad advice about public speaking to practical ways to own your voice and physicality, Mike and Jason break down the five Stage Languages that make or break a communicator.