Just Press Record

Two accomplished writers. Two unique journeys. One unforgettable conversation.In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler introduces Lara Crigger and Nina Badzin ( @dearninafriendship ) —two women who've never met but instantly click in a conversation that blends parenting, friendship, faith, and career twists. From NASA satellites and video game journalism to friendship advice and Torah study, Lara and Nina reveal how their upbringings shaped who they are, how they parent, and how they write.🎙️ Topics Covered• What it’s like to be the only woman in a physics program• Why Nina left teaching to pursue writing—and how her parents reacted• How Lara turned down grad school offers to become a writer• How faith shapes both women’s parenting and professional paths• The cost of oversharing as a parent and writer• The complexities of Jewish identity in public and creative life• Imposter syndrome, ambition, and claiming expertise• How friendship—online and off—can be life-saving and sacred

In this special “Oh Snap, Guess What I Saw” edition of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler welcomes back writer and thinker Eric Markowitz for a deep reflection on resilience, longevity, and the power of being unapologetically human in a digital age. Centered around a powerful clip from Christina Garnett and Vic Ruggiero, the conversation unpacks how meaningful connection—whether in business, creativity, or content creation—can help individuals and organizations outlast in a short-term obsessed world.🎯 Topics Covered:Why compounding only works if you survive long enoughHow “breadcrumbs” on social media create emotional connectionThe shift from mass distribution to authentic engagementWhy human presence is the best defense against AI samenessInverting the model of leadership and innovationWhat businesses that have lasted centuries teach us about resilienceThe difference between learning and teaching in modern content creationBuilding community as a sustainable growth strategy

What happens when two women who’ve lived, led, and learned through fear, reinvention, and transformation meet for the first time? In this moving episode of Just Press Record, Nancy Burger and Julia Duthie share personal stories about stepping into the spotlight — one at 14, the other at 40 — and unpack what it really means to live authentically. From coming out later in life to healing childhood wounds, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and humor. Whether you’re navigating career shifts, personal identity, or just trying to figure out how to show up fully, this one’s for you.Topics Covered:The role of fear in personal growth and creative expressionNancy’s story of overcoming stage fright at 40Julia’s experience coming out at 50 and living authenticallyHow childhood experiences shape our adult narrativesThe link between vulnerability, leadership, and trustWhy being yourself everywhere is a superpowerHelping younger generations build confidence and resilienceThe power of storytelling, music, and embracing change

JPR: Bob Seawright & Jim Carroll - Financial Markets, Music, and Life LessonsIn this episode of JUST PRESS RECORD, host Matt Zeigler brings together two financial market experts who've never met: Bob Seawright (author of The Better Letter on Substack) and Jim Carroll (author of Vixology on Substack). Their conversation weaves through shared passions for music, writing, market insights, and life philosophy - from their morning music routines to the realization that "for every pathology there's a profession."Key Topics Covered:Music's influence on both guests' lives and workHow writing helps clarify thinking and connects with audiencesUnconventional career paths into financial marketsThe value of silence vs. background music for creative thinkingDiscovering personal limitations and finding your true pathCollege advice and educational experiencesRisk perception and decision-making frameworksFinding your niche in competitive environments

In this episode of JUST PRESS RECORD, host Matt Zeigler welcomes back Matt Ackermann, Chief Brand Officer at Integrated Partners, for an insightful discussion on brand building and storytelling. Triggered by a clip featuring David Burkus ( @DavidBurkus ) and Kit Huffman, the conversation explores how to develop memorable brands that stand out in a sea of sameness. From storytelling fundamentals to strategic brand development, Ackermann shares his unique VCR (Vision, Capability, Reach) framework and explains why understanding your audience is crucial for brand success.Topics Covered:The challenge of standing out versus blending in when building brandsThe fundamentals of storytelling and why they remain constant across platformsUnderstanding your audience before creating contentThe VCR framework: Vision, Capability, and Reach for brand developmentCreating effective through-lines in your contentHow to balance tension and resolution in storytellingThe importance of taking time for reflection and perspectiveWhy identity is emergent rather than an emergencyUsing top-down and bottom-up approaches in content creation

In this engaging and thought-provoking episode of Just Press Record, host Matt Zeigler introduces two guests who've never met before: musician and author Mishka Shubaly and financial crisis predictor turned entrepreneur/Punks and Pinstripes community founder Greg Larkin. Their conversation weaves through transformative musical experiences, sobriety journeys, post-9/11 New York City, corporate culture, and finding meaning in life's "second mountain." Listen as these two seemingly different paths reveal surprising parallels about authenticity, purpose, and redefining success.Main Topics Covered:Transformative musical experiences and how live music creates moments of profound personal changeSobriety journeys and navigating social spaces while maintaining recoveryPost-9/11 New York City and the unexpected beauty of human connection amid tragedyThe concept of the "second mountain" - finding purpose after achieving conventional successCan you be a "punk" while working in corporate culture or finance?Finding joy in the present moment and learning to appreciate what you haveOpening yourself to unexpected "miracle windows" rather than chasing specific outcomes

In a captivating discussion, author, coach, and poet Sean Delaney shares insights from his book, "When Life Begins to Whisper." He explores how storytelling shapes our lives and the narratives we unconsciously cling to. Delaney emphasizes the importance of moving from unconscious to conscious awareness, referencing Carl Jung's view on internal narratives. He also discusses the creative process in coaching and the significance of intention, presence, and reflection in personal growth. This lively chat unveils the hidden stories that dictate our paths.

In this thought-provoking episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together two fascinating individuals - Steve Willison, an HR executive with a passion for martial arts and stoic philosophy, and Mark Newfield, a financial advisor and thought leader. Their conversation reveals striking parallels in their life philosophies, professional approaches, and personal journeys, touching on stoicism, boundaries, the power of curiosity, and the importance of doing good in the world.Main Topics Covered:The many roles we all play in life and how to manage themStoic philosophy as a personal operating systemUnderstanding what's in your control versus what you can only influenceThe power of doing one good thing for one decent human being each dayProgress not perfection - embracing growth over flawlessnessHow our greatest strengths can also be our greatest weaknessesThe superpower of neurodiversity and reframing ADHDThe value of lifelong learning and curiositySetting boundaries and learning when to say "no"The importance of integrity in everything you do

Matthew Stafford on Showing Up with Soul | Just Press Record PodcastIn this special "Oh, Snap! Guess What I Saw" episode of the Just Press Record podcast, host Matt Zeigler welcomes back the "007 in any group of 9 others," Matthew Stafford, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation. Together, they dive into a powerful clip from a previous episode featuring Rusty Guinn and Cara Brookins, exploring the timeless wisdom of "always go to the funeral" and what it means to show up for the people who matter—whether it’s at a funeral, a friend’s speech, or during life’s toughest moments. Matthew shares personal stories, including the impact of losing his father in 2018 and the unexpected connections that carried him through, alongside his philosophy of being "default helpful" in life and business. From his 13+ years running "Find Your 9others"- a global networking community - to his ventures in VC and beyond, Matthew unpacks how trusting your gut, building high-quality relationships, and letting the "pot simmer" can lead to serendipitous magic. Expect a mix of deep reflections, practical wisdom, and a few laughs as Matt and Matthew explore how showing up with soul compounds into a life well-lived. Stick around to hear Matthew guess why this clip was a must-share, and find out how to connect with him on X (@m_stafford) and beyond.

In a captivating conversation, Matt Reustle, CEO of Colossus and media expert, teams up with John Candeto, founder of Phronesis Fund and a storytelling enthusiast. They dive into the significance of bedtime stories, exploring how classic tales ignite imagination in kids. The duo shares transformative travel experiences that reshape perspectives and foster connections across generations. They also discuss the profound impact of sensory experiences on storytelling and how time acts as a filter for truth, shaping our personal narratives.