FOMO Sapiens with Patrick J. McGinnis

What kind of person looks at an old, abandoned building and thinks, This should be a museum about words? Ann B. Friedman did. But turning that vision into reality wasn’t easy. This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick talks with Ann about the steep challenges of launching Planet Word—from convincing funders to back an untested concept to navigating DC politics and designing exhibits that actually engage modern audiences (including those who claim they "don’t like reading"). Ann shares how she tackled skepticism, built a world-class team, and turned an abstract idea into an immersive, interactive experience. Plus, they dive into the impact of language in the digital age, how words shape our reality, and why the way we communicate is evolving faster than ever. If you’ve ever had a big idea but doubted whether it could work, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think virtual communication is just about choosing between email, Slack, or Zoom. But according to Prof. Andrew Brodsky, an expert in virtual communication and Top 40 Under 40 MBA Professor, that’s dead wrong. In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, Patrick sits down with Andrew to unpack why digital conversations fail, how to build trust and rapport remotely, and why “in-person bias” can actually hurt productivity. Andrew’s expertise isn’t just academic—his personal journey battling cancer as a teenager forced him to master virtual communication long before it became the norm. He breaks down the science of digital dialogue, the cultural impact of different communication platforms, and the small tweaks that make a massive difference in how you’re perceived online. If you’re leading a remote team, closing deals over Zoom, or just want to avoid being that person on Slack, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maura Duggan, founder of Fancypants Baking Co., transitioned from neuroscience to cookie entrepreneurship, building a national brand without venture capital. She discusses how her background in consumer psychology influenced her brand strategy and product development. Maura shares the challenges of nearly going bankrupt and lessons from her learning curve in the food industry. With a humorous tone, she highlights the importance of maintaining quality and thoughtful branding, all while balancing a family life and the entrepreneurial journey.

Does deep work truly boost productivity, or is it just another overhyped trend? This week on FOMO Sapiens, Patrick J. McGinnis checks in with Molly Sonsteng and Jeremy Redleaf, co-founders of Caveday, a company that claims to help people work smarter, not harder. They discuss how their productivity method has evolved from in-person sessions in Soho to a global online movement—but does it actually deliver results? We examine real data, success stories, and counterarguments, including why some people find deep work ineffective or unsustainable. Plus, we explore the psychology behind the focus, whether deep work benefits everyone (including neurodivergent individuals), and what the skeptics have to say. If you’ve ever felt like productivity hacks don’t work for you, tune in for a candid conversation about what helps—and what doesn’t—when it comes to getting things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to learn the secrets to a richer, wiser, and happier life? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, we delve into the world of investing with William Green, author of "Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life." William shares his insights from interviewing some of the most successful investors in the world, exploring their strategies, mindsets, and approaches to wealth and fulfillment. We discuss the importance of deferred gratification, embracing uncertainty, and finding purpose beyond material success. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, this episode offers valuable lessons on building a rich and fulfilling life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever felt lost in a conversation, unsure of what to say or how to keep things interesting? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, we delve into the secrets of captivating conversations with HBS professor and author of "TALK," Dr. Alison Wood Brooks. Her research reveals that conversation is a "coordination game," where we constantly make choices, often without fully understanding the other person's goals. She offers practical advice and actionable strategies to improve your communication skills in any setting and tells us that, by understanding the science behind conversation and the art of being ourselves, we can unlock deeper connections and ditch the awkward silences for more meaningful interactions. Learn how to become a conversational superstar by mastering the art of asking questions, injecting levity, and embracing vulnerability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is work-life balance a myth? Colleen Pelly, founder and CEO of The Linchpin Co., joins FOMO Sapiens to challenge the conventional notion of "balance" and introduce a more sustainable approach sharing a refreshing perspective on achieving work-life harmony without sacrificing success. Colleen, who's helped top brands like Tesla and Lululemon build high-performing teams, shares her insights on prioritizing, setting boundaries, managing stress, and overcoming imposter syndrome to pursue greater fulfillment and productivity. From calendar blocking to celebrating small wins, Colleen reveals practical strategies for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to build a thriving business without burning out. Tune in to discover how to make it work without losing yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to build a network that pushes you to be your best? In this episode of FOMO Sapiens, we dive deep with Keith Ferrazzi, bestselling author of "Never Eat Alone" and "Leading Without Authority," to drop some serious wisdom on how to ditch the "lone wolf" mentality and create co-elevating relationships that fuel your life and business. Keith, who grew up believing people were the key to unlocking his dreams, shares his journey and tactical advice for building genuine connections that accelerate success. We'll explore his killer strategies for building high-performing teams, tackling challenges head-on, and crushing your goals. Whether you're flying solo or leading the pack, this episode is full of game-changing insights to help you forget about FOMO and thrive in a connected world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Tuesday PatGPT, Patrick J. McGinnis the host of FOMO Sapiens generates responses to key questions in entrepreneurship, business, productivity, and life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claudia Glass, founder of Swijin and former high school English teacher, shares her transformative journey into the women's sportswear sector. She reveals how a vacation idea blossomed into a groundbreaking sports tech startup focused on innovative sports bras. Claudia discusses overcoming challenges like funding and fabric selection while emphasizing the importance of perseverance and intuition. Listeners gain insights on the entrepreneurial path, the need for sustainability in sportswear, and strategies for effective marketing.