The Daniel Stih Podcast

This conversation is not just about Ukraine—it's about a deeper question: How do we understand complex conflicts when information is incomplete, narratives compete, and firsthand experience doesn't always align with what we're told? I'm joined by Alex Craiu, a war correspondent who spent significant time on the ground in Ukraine, witnessing the conflict firsthand. Alex shares his experiences trave...

My guest is Lauri Smith, a public speaking and leadership coach who works with individuals to improve how they communicate and engage audiences. This conversation focuses on a deeper question: What actually makes a message land when someone speaks—and why do so many talks fall flat? In this episode: • Why public speaking feels difficult for most people • What creates real connection with an audien...

My guest is J.J. Jerome, an engineer, futurist, and award-winning innovator whose work focuses on how technology is shaping human behavior and decision-making. This conversation is not about predicting the future. It's about a deeper question: How do we think clearly about human change in a world increasingly shaped by technology? In this episode, we explore: How technology is influencing behavior...

Ready to do something that's never been done? In this solo episode, I share seven actionable tips for catching lightning in a bottle and creating something innovative and fresh for your business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or dreamer, these strategies will help you spark original ideas, break free from the ordinary, and build something truly groundbreaking. If you're looking to push...

What truths about war aren't being told — and how does fear cloud our judgment? In this solo episode, I examine the complexities of the war in Ukraine, the looming threat of nuclear weapons, and the deeper dynamics driving global conflict. We explore: The hidden truths of war — what leaders and media often leave unsaid The role of fear in shaping public opinion and decision-making The root causes...

This episode is about what happens when there's no clear path—and you still have to decide where to go. "City of Faith" came out of a moment on an island where there were no signs, no clear direction, and no obvious way forward. Every turn required a choice without certainty. That same pattern showed up in the music. Starting from a simple set of root chords, the question wasn't which direction to...

Discover how to create a healthier and happier indoor environment with simple, actionable solutions. In this solo episode, I share insights from my book  Healthy Living Spaces to uncover hidden factors in your home and workplace that may be impacting your well-being. Learn where these issues originate, the effects they can have on your health, and ractical steps to transform your space into a sanc...

My guest is Tammy Cox, a transformational coach who works with people navigating the impact of past experiences on relationships. This conversation focuses on a deeper question: How do early experiences shape relationship patterns—and what actually helps those patterns change? In this episode, we explore: • How childhood experiences influence adult relationships • Why certain patterns repeat, even...

My guest is KINGSLEY, a pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur building a creative brand around her work and audience. This conversation focuses on the question: What does "authenticity" mean—and why does it connect in some cases, not others? In this episode, we explore: • What authenticity looks like in practice (not just as an idea) • Why some artists connect deeply with audiences and others d...

Curious about what's actually in your drinking water? In this episode, I break down how to test your water first—before choosing a filter , and why skipping that step often leads to the wrong solution. I cover: what different water tests measure (and what they miss) common contaminants and how they show up how to interpret results without overreacting and how to match a water filter to your specif...

My guest is Barry LaBov, founder of LA-BOV Marketing, who has worked with brands like Harley-Davidson and Audi to help them stand out in competitive markets. This conversation focuses on a question: What makes a brand stand out—and why do so many fail to differentiate? In this episode, we explore: What differentiation really means (beyond messaging)  Why many brands sound different but feel the sa...

Climate data is widely discussed—but rarely examined directly. The real question is: what do you see when you look at the data yourself? In this episode, I walk through how to access and visualize global climate data using Python, so you can explore it firsthand. We cover: • Where to find publicly available climate datasets • How to plot and visualize trends step by step • What shows up in the dat...

Can you actually design your life from within—and if so, what does that mean in practice? In this conversation with John Novello—award-winning jazz keyboardist, composer, and author—we explore the idea that thoughts, beliefs, and internal patterns shape external outcomes. Examine how people talk about "manifestation," what's actually happening underneath it, and where the concept holds up—and wher...

My guest is John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary, an organization focused on supporting libraries and access to information. This conversation focuses on a deeper question: How should we think about access, curation, and free speech when values conflict? In this episode, we explore: • The role libraries play in access to information • Why book bans emerge and how they're justified • T...

This episode begins a series on writing a book, starting with the part that's often the least clear. Not structure. Not formatting. What you're actually trying to say. Writing a book is a different kind of problem. The material is internal. The direction isn't obvious. The challenge is turning something loosely formed into something coherent over time. In this episode, I walk through: How to set t...

My guest is Jeff Hardy, founder of Care for Peace, a nonprofit providing healthcare and support in regions experiencing political instability and conflict. This conversation focuses on a the question: What actually works when trying to create stability and improve lives in unstable environments? In this episode, we explore: • How aid systems function in conflict zones • Why good intentions often d...

My guest is David Fradin, a former product manager at Hewlett-Packard and Apple who has worked on over 75 products across a range of industries. This conversation focuses on the question: Why do some products succeed while others fail, often despite strong teams and ideas? In this episode, we explore: What determines product success  Why good ideas often fail in execution  The role of customers, t...

In a world flooded with information, how can you separate fact from fiction? In this episode, part of the Technology and Curiosity series, we dive into the world of misinformation and disinformation — and how to spot the difference. You'll learn: 🔎 How to critically evaluate sources and recognize red flags 🧠 Ways to identify bias — in media, institutions, and yourself 💻 Tools and tech for fact-...

This episode is about what happens when the path you're on isn't working—and you finally let it go. "O'Birdie" started from a familiar structure, drawing on traditional folk songs. After a full day of trying to make it work, nothing felt right. So I threw it away. In that moment—without a plan, without a direction—something new appeared. A simple moment, looking out the window, shifted everything....

This conversation explores creative expression, emotional processing, human connection, and why people use art, music, poetry, and storytelling to communicate experiences that are difficult to express directly. My guest is Dr. Diane Kaufman — a psychiatrist, poet, artist, and suicide survivor whose work focuses on how creative expression can help people process emotion, reconnect with meaning, and...

Discover how to reinvent yourself and live the life you're meant to live—at any age. In this episode, we explore proven strategies for overcoming fear, building confidence, and taking bold action to design a fulfilling life. Whether in your career or personal relationships, this episode will inspire you and push you to start creating the life you desire.  

My guest is Tracy Hannigan, a behavioral sleep therapist who specializes in evidence-based approaches like CBT-I and ACT-I.This conversation is not about quick fixes. It's about a deeper question: Why is sleep so difficult to fix—and what actually helps? In this episode, we explore: • Why insomnia persists even when people "do the right things" • What's actually happening when the mind won't shut...

My guest is Darius Wallace, an actor, speaker, and storytelling coach who has performed for thousands of audiences across schools, theaters, and stages. This conversation focuses on the question: Why do some messages engage people immediately—while others fall flat? In this episode, we explore: • What makes communication engaging • How storytelling changes how messages are received • Why authentic...

Retirement is often framed as a financial target. The real question is: What does "enough" actually mean—and how do you define it? My guest is Dalene Higgins, founder of Elevate Finances, who approaches retirement planning through values, not just numbers. In this conversation, we explore: • How people define "enough" (and where it goes wrong) • Why financial plans often miss what actually matters...

"Follow your dream" sounds simple. In practice, most people don't. In this episode, I sit down with Bill Robertson—writer, filmmaker, and creator—to explore what actually happens when someone commits to a creative path. We break down: • How people figure out what they want to pursue • Why fear—not lack of ability—stops most people • How opportunities get created (not found) • What it looks like to...