Want to grow your network? You're in the right place: Watch brand consultant Elie Jacobs and former investigative journalist turned hedge fund analyst Eric Markowitz as they meet for the first time ever! Only on "Just Press Record" - hosted by Matt Zeigler, right here on the Cultish Creative YouTube channel. Their discussion explores the critical distinctions between brand and reputation, the nature of risk in business and life, and the enduring value of authentic relationships in an increasingly digital world.Topics Covered:Brand vs. Reputation: The crucial difference between what companies say about themselves and what others perceive, with Elie introducing his concept of "risk aperture" to describe the dangerous gap between these narratives.Crisis Communication: How professional communicators like Elie work to align brand promises with actual delivery, using "red teaming" to identify vulnerabilities before they become public relations disasters.Business Longevity: Eric's research into companies that have survived for centuries reveals patterns of deep community connection, craftsmanship, and prioritizing relationships over rapid scaling.Technology's Impact on Human Interaction: Both guests explore how smartphones, AI, and automation are fundamentally reshaping human relationships, with potential consequences for how we develop connections and trust.The Value of Serendipity: Discussion about how unplanned encounters and meandering exploration lead to breakthrough ideas that structured, AI-assisted thinking might miss.Risk Assessment: Comparing Elie's crisis management approach to risk with Eric's investor perspective on conviction and decision-making under uncertainty.The Theranos Case Study: Analysis of how Elizabeth Holmes might have saved her company by being truthful about technological limitations rather than exaggerating capabilities.In-Person vs. Digital Connections: The irreplaceable value of face-to-face meetings in building trust, generating ideas, and creating resilient business relationships.Generational Divides: How different age groups approach technology, with concern about younger generations lacking foundational skills as AI increasingly handles cognitive tasks.Community Embeddedness: Examples of how businesses that maintain strong local ties receive support during crises, creating mutual benefit systems that transcend purely transactional relationships.This thought-provoking conversation reveals why understanding the stories we tell—and the stories we're told—is crucial for navigating risk, building trust, and creating lasting value in business and life.

Chris Mayer, an investor and author, is known for his insightful works on assumption and abstraction. Joined by Anne-Laure Le Cunff, founder of Ness Labs and author of "Tiny Experiments," they explore the intersection of curiosity and creativity. They share personal experiences with burnout and the importance of balancing structured creativity with spontaneity. Key topics include effective journaling, the evolutionary drive of curiosity, and the transformative power of community collaboration in overcoming challenges and fostering innovation.

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.