Just Press Record

In this episode, I had the pleasure of bringing together two fascinating guests: Christina Garnett, a fractional chief customer officer, and Victor Ruggiero, a musician from the ska-punk band The Slackers. Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, from the challenges of maintaining a long-term music career to the importance of authenticity in building community and connecting with fans. We explored how both the music industry and tech world grapple with burnout, creativity, and the struggle to remain genuine in an increasingly commodified landscape. Christina offered valuable insights on leveraging social media to engage with audiences, while Victor shared entertaining stories from his decades in the music scene. Throughout the discussion, we uncovered surprising parallels between building fan bases in music and cultivating customer relationships in business, ultimately highlighting the universal importance of human connection and inspiration across different fields.

BE MORE MID. No, seriously. Or at least come listen to this discussion of why the nuance and nostalgia around mid-ness might just save the world. Scott Bradlee is kind of a professional nostalgia pusher.  Postmodern Jukebox has been flipping songs into older styles and genres for multi-generational audiences for over 10 years now. Their tagline is “Todays Hits Yesterday.” It works, in that the band can can sell out rooms all over the world, and - with a cool 6.25 million YouTube followers - they’re well represented in rooms they’re not even physically in too. I’ve always wanted to ask him why he thinks it works as well as it does. It can’t just be Nickelback sounding better as a Motown act. Or can it?  Then there’s Kyla Scanlon. In her new book (reviewed here!) she’s taking her concept of “the uncertainty cake” and applying it across economic history.  A quick synopsis of the uncertainty cake idea: If Reality and Expectations are the outer layers of the cake, then the middle connective filling can be described as Theory, which covers as much as it can, but is boringly unpoetic until you add the secret ingredient to every great recipe, love VIBES. As an educator and commentator, on not just the economy, but markets and culture at the largest scales, Kyla Scanlon is kind of a professional nuance pusher. Where else but Just Press Record are you going to get professional nostalgia pushing Scott Bradlee and professional nuance pushing Kyla Scanlon on stage, in conversation, comparing and contrasting the details of each other’s work? We talked about: How nostalgia works in cycles Reboot culture vs. remix culture What happens when the past becomes more unpredictable than the future How to look back without being “period-correct” (and why that fresh insight can work) The role community plays in experiencing art (and everything, really) Why it’s so hard, and so so so important to BE MORE MID Why compressing time and giving access to damn near everything ever is a form of risk mitigation that might not be helping humanity these days And so much more. I mean, Chumbawamba even gets a shoutout in here. You couldn’t possibly imagine a more diverse 40-minute conference talk than this. Maybe you missed it at Epsilon Connect, but Cultish Creative on YouTube is here for you now. Be sure to like, subscribe, follow, share, and all the social media things, but more than anything, please (watch and) LISTEN. These ideas are profound. Scott and Kyla are so articulate, and they’re such deep thinkers, spending this time with them - it brought me so much joy. I’m so excited to share it with you here and now: But wait, there’s more! Well, more thank you’s. Extra special thanks to Ben Hunt, Rusty Guinn, Harper, Alex, Rafa, and everybody else who put Epsilon Connect 2024 together. You all, with FABLE (The Foundation for Applied Bio Linguistic Exploration) and Vanderbilt too, created the space for conversations like this to happen in public. Incredible. Extra extra special shoutouts to Steve Ujfalussy at Pinnacle Creative Productions and Jack Forehand for their production wizardry too! Can’t wait to share some more of the footage you helped capture and curate.

In this episode of Just Press Record, I had the pleasure of hosting Ted Merz, a prolific writer and storyteller, and Dr. Meghaan Lurtz, an expert in behavioral psychology and change. We dove deep into the fascinating world of the transtheoretical model of change, exploring how people navigate through different stages of behavioral transformation. Our conversation weaved through personal anecdotes, from dental hygiene habits to life-changing decisions, illustrating the complex interplay between emotions, behavior, and storytelling in the process of change. We discussed the impact of data and technology on our self-perceptions and the stories we tell ourselves. I was particularly struck by how our guests' different perspectives - Ted's intuitive, story-driven approach and Meg's analytical, research-based view - complemented each other, offering a rich, multifaceted exploration of how humans adapt and evolve. This episode truly highlighted the universal nature of change and the power of understanding its processes in our personal and professional lives.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Angie Colee and Dave Nadig for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, and personal growth. We explored topics ranging from mosh pit etiquette to karaoke experiences, and delved into the importance of embracing authenticity in both personal and professional spheres. Both guests shared insightful stories about their musical journeys and how these experiences have shaped their approaches to business and life. We uncovered some profound lessons about ego dissolution, the co-creative nature of public performance, and the transformative power of embracing our true selves.

In this episode of Just Press Record, I had the pleasure of chatting with two fantastic guests: CT Thomas, the host of the "Watch with CT" YouTube channel, and Frazer Rice, a wealth advisor and fellow movie enthusiast. We delved into the world of horror movies, discussing the importance of the three-act structure, the impact of character deaths, and the art of subverting tropes to keep audiences engaged. Our conversation also touched on the role of star power versus character actors, the nostalgia of VHS covers, and the significance of storytelling in both the entertainment industry and in our personal lives. It was a thrilling discussion that showcased the power of movies to evoke emotions and connect people through a shared language of storytelling.

In this episode of Just Press Record, I dive deep into the complex topic of personal growth with my guests Justin Castelli and Adam Bruderly. We explore how traumatic experiences, both big and small, can serve as catalysts for change when combined with supportive relationships and a willingness to make difficult choices. Through sharing our own stories and insights, we uncover the importance of recognizing the "ingredients" for growth that are often right in front of us, even if we don't always see them. Together, we discover that the path to living an authentic life is paved with moments of discomfort, learning, and the acceptance that perfection is unattainable. Join us as we navigate the winding road of personal development and uncover the power of choice in shaping our journeys.

In this episode of Just Press Record, I dive deep into the dynamic nature of confidence with two incredible guests: Grace Nikae, a fractional marketer and recovered classical music prodigy, and Peter Atwater, a financial expert and the author of "The Confidence Map." Together, we explore the interplay between certainty and control, discuss the artistic process, and uncover the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. We also delve into the difference between authenticity and vulnerability, and how leaders can better understand and support their employees. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you reflecting on your own journey with confidence.

Community-building experts Ben Hunt and Paul Millerd discuss rejecting societal scripts, forming genuine connections, raising children, and pursuing small-scale, meaningful experiences to satisfy ambition without falling into industrially necessary systems. They explore the concepts of 'raccoons' and 'coyotes' in various industries, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and finding like-minded individuals for genuine connections.

In the second episode of Just Press Record, I had the pleasure of inviting Brian Portnoy, a behavioral finance expert, and Mat Cashman, an options trading specialist, to join me for a discussion on the concept of optionality in decision-making. Our conversation delved into the importance of having choices in life, the challenges of navigating uncertainty, and the role of self-awareness in making meaningful decisions. My guests shared insights from their respective fields, drawing fascinating parallels between options trading and personal decision-making, emphasizing the value of accumulating affordable, slightly out-of-the-money options in various aspects of life. We also explored the concept of "funded contentment," the pursuit of a meaningful life, and the courage to challenge one's evolving sense of identity. I found this podcast to be truly thought-provoking, offering practical advice for those seeking to make better decisions and lead more fulfilling lives.

In this podcast, Jess Bost, Tom Morgan and I dive into the concept of best self versus favorite self that Robin Arzon introduced in her interview with Adam Grant. We explore how trauma can spark transformative life changes, the importance of narrowing your focus to what's most fulfilling even if it goes against societal expectations, and the role mentors play in giving people space to flourish. We also discuss team dynamics, communication, and how the hero's journey plays out in group settings. Ultimately, it's about aligning your personal identity, finding your niche in a diverse ecosystem, and letting go of external pressures to move from a "best self" to "favorite self" mentality. Hope you find our discussion insightful and thought-provoking.