
FOMO Sapiens with Patrick J. McGinnis
FOMO Sapiens is the podcast for anyone who wants to make smarter decisions, take action, and thrive in an unpredictable world. Hosted by Patrick J. McGinnis—the guy who coined FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—this show brings you insights from world-class entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders who’ve mastered the art of navigating uncertainty.Each episode is packed with real-world strategies, powerful stories, and actionable advice to help you cut through the noise, take control of your choices, and build a life you actually want—without the fear of missing out.Listen now and start making decisions on your own terms.
Latest episodes

Sep 25, 2023 • 15min
FOMOnday: The Secret to the Perfect Elevator Pitch
This is FOMOnday, the snackable companion to FOMO Sapiens that starts your week with hot takes, life hacks, listener mail, and even some FOMO therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 21, 2023 • 40min
S10 Ep11. The Founders of theSkimm on Building a Company People Want to Work for
Today on FOMO Sapiens we delve into the remarkable story of how the founders of theSkimm, Carly and Danielle, built a company that people not only want to work for, but also rely on for trusted information and guidance.From its humble beginnings, theSkimm has grown alongside its initial audience, adapting to their changing needs and evolving into a multi-faceted platform that covers personal finance, health, family, and purchasing decisions. The driving force behind theSkimm's focus on millennial women is their recognition of this demographic's immense economic influence and their belief that these women are the most important customers to cater to.Recognized as a necessary resource for navigating the complexities of adulthood, theSkimm has become a trusted companion, helping women make informed decisions in various aspects of their lives. As the company grows, it eagerly embraces a new generation of women, understanding that their experiences and decisions will shape the future direction of the company.But, like any successful venture, theSkimm had its humble beginnings. Carly and Danielle made a pivotal decision to quit their jobs at a young age, a decision that still fills them with unease even after 11 years of running their company. Fuelled by a passion for the news business, they faced countless challenges to break into the industry, including entering the job market during the Great Recession, where stable jobs were hard to come by. Working in media during a downturn meant financial sacrifices, but it also fueled their determination to make their mark.What sets Carly and Danielle apart is their unique dynamic and magical working relationship as friends and business partners. Starting a business with a friend may be seen as unwise, but they defy conventional wisdom and credit their successful partnership to their shared passion, trust, and the ability to address potential conflicts from the outset.Observing the changing landscape of the news industry, Carly and Danielle realized there was a lack of focus on their demographic, young women who were increasingly leading and making purchasing decisions. Sensing an opportunity to fill this void, they embarked on a mission to create a source of trusted information specifically targeted towards women.Maintaining a strong brand ethos and voice has been instrumental in engaging and retaining theSkimm's audience. The company's brand has evolved over time, incorporating fresh perspectives and ideas to ensure relevancy and resonance with its diverse audience. Recognizing the importance of driving change and reaching a wider target audience, The Skimm understands the need to bring in new voices to continuously enhance their brand.In addition to their entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for growth, Carly and Danielle are staunch advocates for policies that support women in the workforce. They have implemented progressive policies within the company, including paid family leave, unlimited vacation days, improved healthcare benefits, and childcare coverage. Recognizing the needs of their predominantly female workforce, they have partnered with companies like VV to provide comprehensive childcare support.However, The Skimm's mission extends beyond its own workforce. They have launched impactful campaigns like "Show US Your Leave" and "Show US Your Childcare" to address the lack of support for families in terms of paid family leave and childcare. Through transparent sharing of policies, they have catalyzed positive change in hundreds of companies, wagering that supporting families ultimately benefits both employees and businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 18, 2023 • 19min
FOMOnday: Pat GPT Listener Mail
This is FOMOnday, the snackable companion to FOMO Sapiens that starts your week with hot takes, life hacks, listener mail, and even some FOMO therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 snips
Sep 14, 2023 • 37min
S10 Ep10. Jennifer Wallace on Toxic Achievement Culture
Get ready for a thrilling ride on the FOMO Sapiens Podcast! For this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Wallace, the mastermind behind 'Never Enough.' Together, we're diving deep into the culture of toxic achievement that has us all in a chokehold.Jennifer opens up about her journey to break free from the 'yes' trap, showing us how crafting personal policies in line with our values can be a game-changer.Our conversation kicks off with a bang as we ask Jennifer about the defining moment that led her to where she is today. Brace yourself for her revelation: setting clear values and personal policies.She admits to struggling with saying 'no,' but these policies not only helped her write her book but also transformed her into a boundary-setting rockstar. Plus, it turns out people love her even more for it!Digging deeper, we ask for real-life examples of how she lives by these policies. Jennifer dishes out her experience as a parent juggling the demands of schools that thrive on parental involvement. Her solution? Only volunteer where she can interact directly with her kids, freeing up time for her freelance work. Jennifer explains how personal policies eliminate decision fatigue and give her the unbreakable power of conviction.But wait, there's more! We grill Jennifer on how to keep these policies from turning into rigid rules. Her secret? Most policies guard her work time, creating pockets of uninterrupted focus for research and writing. Oh, and she's got a ceramic tiger as a reminder – it's like a guardian of boundaries. She even shares tiger pics with her friends to nudge them to protect their limits.And the grand finale? Jennifer's book, 'Never Enough.' She spills the beans on what inspired her: the madness of 2019. From high school anxiety to college scandals and her own Washington Post article on stressed-out students, she had to investigate further. The result? A guide to help us all navigate the unhealthy pursuit of achievement.With 'Never Enough,' Jennifer peels back the layers of a society obsessed with success at any cost. Her journey and research offer crucial insights and strategies to break free from the toxic achievement trap. So, tune in to the FOMO Sapiens Podcast and discover how to prioritize your well-being and values in a world that always demands more." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 11, 2023 • 16min
FOMOnday: Thinking About 9-11
This is FOMOnday, the snackable companion to FOMO Sapiens that starts your week with hot takes, life hacks, listener mail, and even some FOMO therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Sep 7, 2023 • 36min
S10 Ep9. The Performance Paradox with Eduardo Briceño
In this episode, Eduardo Briceño, a brilliant and transformative speaker and author, discusses the Performance Paradox. He explains that fixating solely on performing hinders results and stifles growth. The discussion also touches upon the misconception that success is directly proportional to the number of hours worked. Eduardo emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to learning and growth, and integrating learning into daily tasks for improved performance.

Sep 5, 2023 • 16min
Entrepreneurial Thinking: Demystifying KPIs
Learn about the importance and benefits of KPIs in business. Discover how to set effective KPIs aligned with your company's objectives. Demystify the process of selecting and assessing KPIs for business performance. Also, enjoy updates on football, including teams like the Chiefs, Bengals, Jets, Bills, and Dolphins, as well as college football and the Bulldogs' three-peat hopes.

Aug 31, 2023 • 35min
S10 Ep8. MIT’s Zeynep Ton on How to Create Good Jobs
Zeynep Ton, accomplished MIT Sloan School of Management Professor and best-selling author, explores the benefits of providing good jobs. She challenges the notion that low wages and high turnover are necessary for profitability, showing evidence that they actually cost companies more in the long run. She emphasizes the importance of investing in people and treating employees as valuable assets. The episode also delves into the transformation of Sam's Club and discusses the future workforce and the impact of automation.

Aug 28, 2023 • 19min
FOMOnday: How to Be a Good Boss
Topics discussed include empowering women in leadership, characteristics of a good boss, the importance of correctly addressing people in a work context, and strategies for dealing with a difficult boss.

Aug 24, 2023 • 38min
S10. Ep7. Homaira Kabir on Beating Back Imposter Syndrome
Join us for an enlightening episode of FOMO Sapiens, as we sit down with Homaira Kabir, a respected psychologist and coach, to discuss her new book, "Goodbye Perfect: How To Stop Pleasing, Proving, and Pushing For Others... and Live For Yourself."Homaira Kabir shares her journey of self-discovery and offers practical insights to break free from the burden of people-pleasing and self-doubt. In this episode, she emphasizes the significance of finding our true selves and stepping away from external pressures.Through relatable stories and actionable advice, Homaira Kabir shows us how self-compassion, setting boundaries, and embracing imperfections lead to a more fulfilling life. Learn how to cultivate self-worth and gain the confidence to live authentically.Discover the impact of living in alignment with your values and interests, and how this can transform your life. Say "Goodbye Perfect" and embrace a life that is genuine and true to who you are.If you're seeking practical guidance to let go of external expectations and live a more fulfilling life, this episode of FOMO Sapiens with Homaira Kabir is a must-listen. Tune in for a journey of self-empowerment and self-love that will inspire positive change in your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices