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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.

In this insightful episode of Just Press Record on the Cultish Creative YouTube channel, host Matt Zeigler welcomes back Mark McCartney ( @whatisagoodlife ) for a thought-provoking conversation sparked by a clip featuring Phil Pearlman  @PhilipPearlman ) and Jessica Yarmey ( @SizzleSociety ) . The discussion explores the profound idea that enlightenment might simply be remembering what was always there within us, rather than adding something new.Key Topics:The concept that self-development is about revealing what's innate rather than constructing or adding to ourselvesHow paying attention to life's natural fluctuations helps us find flowThe evolution from rigid mindfulness practices to a more integrated awareness of everyday lifeThe relationship between presence, attention, and loveMark's journey of self-acceptance and how it transformed his relationship with himselfThe power of giving attention to others and ourselvesThe connection between Mark and previous guest Sean DeLaney (author of "When Life Begins to Whisper")Reflections on Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" as a source of affirmation (cc:  @Justin_Castelli  )

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.

Kris Abdelmessih, a former SIG trader turned writer and founder of Moontower.ai, and Morgan Ranstrom, a wealth advisor and frontman of Stone Arch Rivals, explore the intersection of finance and creativity. They discuss their contrasting backgrounds and personalities, diving into the importance of authenticity in life and parenting. Touching on nostalgic musical influences and the challenges of public performance, they share insights on how to encourage their children to engage deeply with life while navigating their own identities in both finance and art.

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.