Talking to Cool People is an interview show where I, you guessed it, talk to cool people! My belief is that everyone is cool and everyone has a fascinating story to tell. Subscribe to enjoy fun, inspirational, and vulnerable conversations with people from all walks of life and from all over the world. With guests ranging from CEOs to college students, from Navy Seals to therapists, from authors to musicians and everything in between, you never know where the conversations are going to go and what you'll learn.
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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."
Sheila is back! Sheila Wilkinson, a seasoned coach, author, and licensed clinical social worker, dives deep into the psychological and social dynamics of expectations. Sheila and Jason unpack the impacts these invisible forces have on our personal and professional lives.
"When we expect of others what we expect of ourselves, we will always find pain."
The incredible Thomas Renner joins the show to talk about his journey as a high end fitness and cycling coach to running his own successful coaching practice, his early realization about his sexuality and how that impacted his childhood and the power of community.
"I'm a jack of all trades and a master of none, and I used to wear it like a badge of dishonor."
Jason and Jeremy dive deep into the fascinating journey of Jeremy Parker , the co-founder and former CEO of Swag.com, and now the founder of Swagspace. Jeremy shares his incredible story, from winning a prestigious film festival to pivoting into entrepreneurship, and eventually building a multimillion-dollar business in the promotional products industry. Jeremy shared how he knew it was time to give up the CEO title as the company grew and what his true passion in business is.
“Sometimes, the right move is to step aside and let someone else lead. ”
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