The Virtual Campfire's Podcast
Tony Martignetti
The campfire. school, church, and watercooler all-in-one. It's the earliest form of community; Sitting around a campfire and sharing stories. For generations, it was used to build trust, share knowledge, and inspire others. Welcome to the Virtual Campfire – I'm Tony Martignetti, the Inspired Coach. Here I'll share powerful lessons learned from leaders in their transformation journey.
When you see someone on stage: sharing a powerful message, "owning the room" and, having a huge impact in the world, you might ask yourself, how did they get to be that way? Were they born that way? Could I be like that person? What makes them different? From the outside looking in, it seems like they are meant to do what they're doing. I'm here to share what you don't often see—their tales of transformation. That's what we'll uncover here. The tiny steps that led to the big leaps.
When you see someone on stage: sharing a powerful message, "owning the room" and, having a huge impact in the world, you might ask yourself, how did they get to be that way? Were they born that way? Could I be like that person? What makes them different? From the outside looking in, it seems like they are meant to do what they're doing. I'm here to share what you don't often see—their tales of transformation. That's what we'll uncover here. The tiny steps that led to the big leaps.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 28, 2025 • 41min
Turning Waste Into Wealth: The Plastic Bank Revolution With David Katz
The Plastic Bank is more than an organization; it's a global movement, and at its helm is David Katz. This episode dives into David’s inspiring journey to combat both poverty and plastic pollution by revealing the value in waste. We explore how Plastic Bank empowers underserved communities to exchange plastic for income and benefits, fostering a circular economy that uplifts both people and the planet. David’s innovative vision has led to partnerships with over 500 brands and enabled over 50,000 families to collect and exchange over 145 million kilograms of plastic waste.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast
Apr 21, 2025 • 46min
Leading Through Kindness And Resilience: An Immigrant's Journey With Neri Karra Sillaman
What if the very challenges that shaped your past became the fuel for your success? Neri Karra Sillaman’s journey from child refugee to globally recognized entrepreneur and thought leader is a testament to the power of resilience, cultural innovation, and an unstoppable immigrant mindset. Named to the Thinkers50 Radar List for 2024 and a leading voice in strategy and leadership, Neri shares how growing up in communist Bulgaria, learning English against all odds, and navigating life as a refugee shaped her perspective—and ultimately her business empire. In this episode, we explore the defining moments that ignited her journey, the mindset shifts that drive immigrant entrepreneurs to ask the right questions, and the lessons we can all learn about reframing rejection, embracing uncertainty, and building a legacy. Get ready to be inspired by a story of grit, ambition, and the power of possibility!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast
Apr 14, 2025 • 40min
Pushing Boundaries In Car Design with Nikita Bridan
Ever wondered what fuels the future of automotive innovation? Buckle up as we dive into the exhilarating world of car design with Nikita Bridan, co-founder and CEO of Oilstainlab, a visionary car design strategist. With 15 years of experience shaping the aesthetics of giants like Lyft, Cruise GM, Toyota, and Genesis, Nikita now steers his own automotive design consultancy and custom vehicle manufacturing company. This episode ignites with Nikita's insights on cutting-edge electrification platforms, the dynamic evolution of automotive design trends, and the sheer passion that drives the creation of truly boundary-pushing vehicles.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast
10 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 44min
Creating A Storied Experience: The Key To Engaging Modern Travelers With Samantha Hardcastle
Samantha Hardcastle, founder of The Storied Experience, is an innovative designer in hospitality and tourism. She discusses how to break free from traditional travel experiences, emphasizing the importance of creating deep, transformative connections through storytelling. The conversation touches on the role of immersive narratives in travel and compares American and Icelandic storytelling traditions. Additionally, Samantha shares how engaging employees through storytelling can enhance organizational connection and creativity, urging the need for collaboration and authentic interaction.
Mar 31, 2025 • 46min
Your Brain On Art: How Creativity Transforms Health & Well-Being With Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross
Art isn’t just for museums—it shapes the way we think, feel, and connect with the world. In this conversation, Tony Martignetti explores the science and impact of creativity with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, co-authors of Your Brain on Art. Susan, executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins, and Ivy, Google’s chief design officer, reveal how art fuels brain health, enhances well-being, and unlocks human potential. They share powerful insights on neuro aesthetics, the connection between art and healing, and why creativity is essential for a thriving life. Tune in to discover how embracing artistic expression can change the way you experience the world.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast
Mar 24, 2025 • 42min
Wild Courage: Go After What You Want With Jenny Wood
Ever wondered what it takes to truly go after what you want in life? Jenny Wood, author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, shares her incredible journey from unruly child to successful Google executive and beyond. She joins Tony Martignetti to talk about the pivotal flashpoints that shaped her path, how she learned to face her fears, and pursuing the dreams that truly mean something to her. Find out the right way to overcome imposter syndrome, navigate through the many risks in life, and unlock your very own version of success through your firm and courageous mindset.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast
7 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 38min
Lifelong Learning & Curiosity: Embracing Tiny Experiments For Big Change With Anne-Laure Le Cunff
In this discussion, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, an award-winning neuroscientist and founder of Ness Labs, shares her unconventional path from Google to embracing lifelong learning. She emphasizes that success can be a series of experiments rather than a linear journey. Topics include the importance of curiosity, navigating personal and professional transitions, and the transformative power of small experiments in achieving big changes. Anne-Laure encourages listeners to adopt an experimental mindset and highlights the significance of community in continuous learning.
Mar 3, 2025 • 59min
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor On Brain Recovery, Healing The Mind, And Rebuilding After Trauma
The human brain is powerful, but what happens when it faces life-altering trauma? Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, shares her firsthand experience with brain recovery after a severe stroke that left her unable to walk, talk, or recall her life. In this conversation with host Tony Martignetti, she discusses the brain’s ability to heal, the role of neuroplasticity, and the profound insights she gained about consciousness and resilience. From rebuilding cognitive function to redefining identity, this episode offers a fascinating look at the mind’s power to adapt and recover.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast
Feb 10, 2025 • 41min
The Poetry Of Trust: Building Bridges Through Conversations With Libby Wagner
Trust is the foundation of meaningful connections and growth. Libby Wagner, poet, speaker, and trusted advisor, joins Tony Martignetti to explore the power of trust in creating fulfilling work cultures. Libby shares heartfelt wisdom gleaned from her own journey from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of courageous conversations, continuous learning, and self-reflection. She delves into the magic that happens when we dare to trust, revealing how it can lead to deeper connections, unexpected happiness, and a life filled with purpose. Tune in to discover how embracing trust can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast
Feb 3, 2025 • 49min
Scaling Great Heights With Michael Brown
How do you take window cleaning to new heights? With robots, of course! In this episode of the podcast, Tony Martignetti sits down with Michael Brown, CEO of Skyline Robotics, a company that's revolutionizing the way we clean skyscrapers. Michael shares his incredible journey from the world of office supplies to cutting-edge robotics, highlighting the challenges, the triumphs, and the importance of building a company with people at its core. Tune in to discover how Skyline Robotics is not only making window cleaning safer and more efficient but also transforming the future of building maintenance.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.ipurposepartners.com/podcast
