Join host Matt Zeigler as he brings together two fascinating minds from the world of finance who've carved unique paths beyond the trading desk. Kris Abdelmessih (former SIG trader turned writer and founder of Moontower.ai) and Morgan Ranstrom (wealth advisor and frontman of Stone Arch Rivals) explore what it means to live authentically while building a life of purpose.This wide-ranging conversation starts with their contrasting personalities - Kris, the gregarious New Jersey native turned Californian who thrives on human connection, and Morgan, the contemplative North Dakotan turned Minnesotan who needs space to process and create. Their discussion weaves through formative musical influences (from 80s hair metal to Warren Haynes), the challenges of performing despite their different comfort levels with the spotlight, and how they're intentionally showing their children what it means to be "switched on" and engaged with life.The heart of their conversation centers on authenticity and purpose. Kris shares his philosophy of being the same person in every context, while Morgan explores how different "masks" might actually lead to deeper truth. Both men offer profound insights on parenting, the tension between preserving innocence and preparing children for reality, and the importance of helping kids find paths that truly match who they are.Through stories of trading floors, music stages, client meetings, and family moments, they illustrate how success in finance can coexist with creative pursuits and meaningful relationships. This isn't just another conversation about markets or money - it's an honest exploration of building a life that honors both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.Whether you're in finance, interested in personal growth, or simply curious about how others navigate life's big questions, this episode offers valuable perspectives on living authentically in an increasingly complex world.

In this engaging episode for 2025, host Matt Zeigler brings together two fascinating minds in the business world: David Burkus, a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, and Kit Huffman, a rising star in executive personal branding. Their conversation weaves through surprising territory, from Kit's unusual start networking with angel investors at age 14 to David's journey from stocking grocery shelves to becoming a leading voice in team dynamics. The discussion explores how leaders find and communicate their mission, why some companies lose their way as they scale, and what it means to build a business that truly reflects your values. David shares insights from his work helping teams rediscover their purpose, while Kit offers a behind-the-scenes look at how executives can authentically connect with their audiences. They challenge conventional wisdom about business growth, with both guests making compelling cases for staying small and focused rather than scaling at all costs. Some highlights include: The worst networking advice everyone gets (and why it fails) How companies lose their story as they grow beyond founder interaction Why some executive LinkedIn posts feel like "stale crackers" and how to fix that The delicate balance between business growth and maintaining personal priorities Why looking "backwards forward" can help clarify your mission The value of finding unoccupied space in your industry This conversation goes beyond typical business advice to explore how both leaders and companies can chart paths that align with their authentic goals rather than conventional expectations. Perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, or anyone interested in building meaningful work while staying true to themselves.

Join host Matt Zeigler for a fascinating conversation with Jason Buck (volatility hedge fund manager) and Roger Mitchell (former EMI music executive and Scottish Premier League CEO, turned sports industry consultant) as they dive deep into the business of sports, entertainment, and culture. This wide-ranging discussion explores everything from the economics of European football and the challenges of sports ownership to the parallels between the music industry and professional sports. Roger shares insights from his unique career journey and discusses why American-style closed leagues might be the future of European sports. Jason brings his perspective on financial markets, models, and survival strategies for local teams in a global (and very online) world. Not to mention, this episode is worth more than a few laughs! Key topics include: The cultural dynamics of football clubs like Celtic vs Rangers Why smart business people often make irrational decisions in sports The impact of streaming and piracy on sports media rights The future of sports entertainment and fan engagement The importance of community in local sports clubs The challenges of maintaining profitable sports businesses Whether you're interested in sports business, investment strategy, or the entertainment industry, this conversation offers unique insights from two experts with fascinating career paths and perspectives.

Seven standout moments from Just Press Record's first year, curated by host Matt Zeigler. Starting with the power of small acts over institutional loyalty, moving through engaging conversations about artistic co-creation, personal change, balancing structure with spontaneity, authentic relationship building, and ending with a powerful lesson on being present that will hit you like a lightning bolt... Each clip celebrates the show's core mission: showing you how to play more deeply with your networks of both ideas and people. As my Cultish Creative blog turns 7 years old, these moments showcase why connecting with others in meaningful ways, and, taking the time to reflect on those interactions, matters more than ever. Watch the full breakdown with timestamps for each featured guest: Ben Hunt & Paul Millerd on Make, Protect, Teach Dave Nadig & Angie Colee on co-creation Julia Carreon & Hal Hershfield on personal change Josh Spector & Dennis Moseley-Williams on balancing structure and spontaneity Vic Ruggiero & Christina Garnett on authentic connection Kara Brookins & Rusty Guinn on showing up for others Sean DeLaney & Mark McCartney on being present

Luca Dellanna, author of "Ergodicity" known for his deep insights on long-term decision-making, and Dylan O'Sullivan, a literary editor with a knack for existential storytelling, engage in a profound discussion. They explore balancing ambition with life's complex priorities and the impact of personal narratives. Luca shares how his cancer diagnosis reshaped his outlook on time, while Dylan emphasizes the significance of crafting meaningful stories. The conversation also highlights the value of deep connections over superficial ties, urging listeners to reflect on their choices in the context of mortality.

Cara Brookins, author of "Rise: How a House Built a Family," recounts her incredible journey of constructing a house with her children using just YouTube tutorials. Rusty Guinn, a former corporate professional turned cider maker, shares his experiences transforming a historical property into a thriving orchard. They discuss the emotional fulfillment of hands-on creation and the deep connections forged through physical labor. Their conversation highlights the significance of community, resilience, and the impact of technology on modern life, encouraging listeners to find authenticity in their own journeys.

On this episode of Just Press Record, I bring together two fascinating guests who've never met but share an uncanny ability to transform audiences through their work - Josh Spector and Dennis Moseley-Williams. Josh ( @JoshSpectorVideos ) has built his career helping people get clients from their content, running a wildly successful daily newsletter "For The Interested" and coaching creators on growing their audiences. Dennis ( @seriousshift ), a keynote speaker and author, helps turn brands into cults by making CEOs into charismatic leaders and services into memorable experiences. Watch as these two masters of audience engagement discover their shared philosophies on authenticity, the power of word choice, and why "don't be boring" might be the cardinal rule of business. From Seth Godin's influence to surprising stories about Norm MacDonald, this conversation weaves through fascinating territory about what it means to truly connect with and transform an audience. We explore: Why the smallest viable audience might be better than mass appeal The importance of being true to yourself in business How comedians perfect their craft and why it matters for business Why self-promotion can be a selfless act The art of charging what you're worth Whether you're a creator, business leader, or someone interested in the psychology of audience engagement, this conversation offers valuable insights on how to matter more to the people who matter most. Subscribe to Cultish Creative for more conversations that make curiosity a habit.

In a heartfelt conversation, Sean DeLaney, host of "What Got You There," and Mark McCartney, host of "What Is A Good Life," delve into living authentically. Mark shares his pivotal moment leaving finance to discover life's rhythm, while Sean discusses self-mastery and presence. They explore the power of silence in a noisy world and the transformative lessons that arise from pain. The duo emphasizes the importance of being present in parenting and relationships, underscoring that true connection springs from mindfulness and authenticity.

CT Reese of @WatchWithCT and Frazer Rice of @Frazerrice1873 are BACK for a continuation of our prior conversation about horror movies, genre flicks, and why EVERYBODY can learn something from the murder, mayhem, and monsters of the (silver? cell phone? where do people watch movies now?!) screen(s)!

I was so excited to introduce these two, here's why: Matthew Stafford thinks of himself an introvert, and yet he’s been hosting 10 person startup founder dinners, once a month, for 13+ years(!). Matt Ackermann is a self-described extrovert, gracing conference stages and making content for decades, with a community service attitude like few others I know (ex. coaching, PorchFest, etc.!). Plus, they’re both music nerds. AND, they’d never met. Until now. We delved into several fascinating topics, including: The power of helping others without expecting anything in return The importance of collecting, curating, and connecting people and ideas How to build and maintain valuable networks The art of being a good conversationalist in networking settings Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success The value of trusting your gut instincts in business and life Matthew Stafford shared insights from his "Nine Others" initiative, which brings together entrepreneurs to share challenges and support one another. Matt Ackerman discussed his experiences in the financial advisory world and his community-building efforts through events like PorchFest. We also had some fun discussing our desert island music picks and reminiscing about our first websites. The conversation highlighted the importance of curiosity, compounding goodwill, and being a champion for your ideas and community. Overall, this episode was a fantastic exploration of how to build meaningful connections, foster creativity, and make a positive impact in both business and personal life. I'm grateful to have had these two insightful guests on the show, and I hope our viewers found the conversation as enriching as I did.