Backstage w/ Matt Stone

Fresh off surgery and easing back into work, Matt reflects on the balance between rest and relentless creativity. As The Building Business Relationships Show gains momentum, he’s reminded that innovation often looks unclear until it’s real. This episode explores the patience it takes to hold your vision — even when others don’t see it — and why the best way to prove the idea is simply to build it....

On this Halloween Friday, Matt reflects on the creative “tunnel” between where you are and where you’re going — that uncertain middle stretch where progress feels slow and clarity fades. Fresh out of recovery, he shares how trusted friends and honest feedback help keep him moving forward. Because when you’re building something that matters, reflection isn’t just useful — it’s the flashlight that h...

After surgery, Matt wasn’t sure he’d have the energy to release another episode of The Building Business Relationships Show — but he did. He’s grateful for the pre-launch feedback he’s been receiving, and reflects on how valuable feedback can be when you’re truly committed to the creative process over the long haul. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers...

After a surprise hospital stay and surgery, Matt reflects on what truly strengthens us when life breaks us open. From the compassion of nurses to the wisdom of friends across continents, he shares how genuine human connection — the kindness, presence, and love of others — transforms pain into perspective and resilience into something greater: becoming shatterproof together. This is a public episod...

A quick note to let everyone know why Matt will not be recording new episodes this week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattstone.substack.com

Matt shares how reconnecting with his “joy center” is reshaping his business — and his mindset. From building The Building Business Relationships Show to helping CEOs tell authentic, story-driven messages on camera, this episode is a reminder that sustainable success doesn’t come from grinding harder. It comes from aligning what you love with what the world needs. This is a public episode. If you...

After meeting a man who spent 32 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Matt reflects on what it means to stay hopeful, grateful, and deeply human in the face of injustice. This episode is a moving reminder that meaningful work isn’t just about success — it’s about connection, courage, and the kind of love that can’t be confined. About Alphonso James: https://alphonsojames.com This is a pub...

Fresh off his Denver retreat, Matt reflects on the full spectrum of emotion — how the ability to feel deeply, even grief or frustration, is actually a sign of being fully alive and aligned. This episode is a reminder that our emotions aren’t problems to fix — they’re signals pointing us toward growth, meaning, and connection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other s...

Fresh from Denver and the Unscripted retreat, Matt shares the magic of stepping out of your head and into your heart. From flubbed lines to fearless connection, he reflects on how imperfect moments and supportive people can unlock your best work. Real, raw, and full of heart. More info on Unscripted 2025: https://www.meridithgrundei.com/unscripted-retreat-denver-colorado This is a public episode....

From a hotel room in Denver, Matt reflects on the real meaning of “one day at a time.” It’s not just a saying — it’s a survival skill. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, focusing on what you can do today brings relief, hope, and a sense of progress that’s both grounding and freeing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus ep...

Matt’s racing to the airport but pauses long enough to share how a random café encounter turned into a long love story — and a reminder that magic only happens when you’re open to it. From Denmark’s drizzle to life’s surprises, this one’s your midweek nudge to keep your heart (and schedule) a little open. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acc...

Between jackhammers, scaffolding, and a foggy brain, Matt still finds a way to move forward — and celebrate publishing his first pre-launch episode of The Building Business Relationships Show. This one’s a reminder that even when life sounds like a construction site, every step (and every rep) still moves you closer to where you’re going. Check out The Building Business Relationships Show here: ht...

Matt’s pulling back the curtain on a wild year — the kind where your business burns down, your plans fall apart, and somehow, it still might be the best thing that ever happened. From government gigs to creative grit, he’s rebuilding, reimagining, and finding humor (and hope) in the ashes. Because if you can’t laugh while molting, what’s the point? This is a public episode. If you would like to di...

Matt’s fresh off a Broadway night and a deep chat with a six-time Emmy winner who dropped this gem: “I did it because I didn’t know I couldn’t.” In today’s First Play , he unpacks what happens when your commitment becomes contagious—and why nothing attracts support faster than a train that’s already moving. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get a...

Matt’s shoulder hurts, but his perspective’s in great shape. In today’s First Play , he challenges the old “no pain, no gain” mantra and makes a case for smarter growth. Not all pain means progress—sometimes it’s your body (or life) saying, “Hey genius, try something different.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visi...

Talking about a simple reminder: there’s no such thing as “just another day.” From Oregon nostalgia to tropical daydreams in Cairns, Matt shares how to turn even a gray Wednesday into a small act of wonder. Spoiler: it starts with where you point your brain—and your coffee cup. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit...

New name, same morning mischief. In this episode, Matt unveils The First Play —a fresh start for your day and your mindset. From Indy’s crossroads to life’s crossroads, he takes on ego, projection, and why curiosity beats “I alone can fix it” every time. Quick listen, big energy—press play on your first play of the day. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscri...

Counting reps? Counting emails? Counting days till Friday? Stop. Slow down, breathe, and actually build something—muscle, momentum, meaning. Quality over quantity, baby. Link to new business pod: https://bbrpod.transistor.fm This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattstone.substack.com

Today’s curveball: a client canceled last-minute. Instead of sulking, I took a page from my my favorite football team’s playbook—embrace everything, even the boos. Whether it’s rain, rejection, or a reschedule, you can treat it all like fuel. The question isn’t why me? —it’s how can I use this? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonu...

Today’s two-minute trip takes us to Lubango, Angola, before shifting to a bigger question: are you playing life not to lose, or are you playing to win? A subtle mindset shift—away from threat and toward possibility—can change everything about how you show up today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattstone.su...

On the first day of October, I reflect on what it means to separate “talking days” from “creative days,” and why feedback is fueling my growth as I build The Building Business Relationships Podcast . Honest critique stings less when it pushes you higher—and that’s exactly where I’m aiming. Check out the Preview episode of The Building Business Relationship Podcast here: https://share.transistor.fm...

From apple cider donuts to Puerto Varas, Chile, today’s reflection lands on a bigger question: are we chasing follower counts or building relationships that actually matter? Because 100 people who trust you can change your world more than 10,000 who scroll past you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattstone.s...

Seven weeks of near-daily rambling—er, podcasting—and I’m hooked. From Oregon Ducks football to random reflections, today I’m celebrating the magic of just showing up… and daring you to pick a habit you’ll stick with (no excuses). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattstone.substack.com

On Johnny Appleseed Day, I trade apple lore for something heavier: the erosion of rule of law, the disorienting state of leadership, and why promoting values that aren’t currently valued can feel unbearable. No silver linings here—just radical honesty, a restless night, and a reminder to connect with people who still believe in building trust. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss...

We’ve all been there—trying to duct-tape a deal, a project, or a relationship into working when the timing’s all wrong. Spoiler: it’s exhausting. Today’s lesson? Stop rowing like mad and let the wind do some of the work. Sometimes the smartest move is to park it, laugh, and wait for the right breeze. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access t...