Ask For An Answer

What happens when a lifelong radio obsessive builds a show that lets everyday Americans talk back to the news? From sneaking off to summer camp and calling into radio stations as a kid to hosting national programs on NPR and launching The Middle , Jeremy Hobson shares how curiosity, storytelling, and Midwestern values shaped a career built on listening. Along the way, he reveals why live, unscript...

What does it take to protect hope when the world feels increasingly hostile? In this powerful episode of Ask For An Answer , host Jim Fielding sits down with Jorge Valencia , CEO of the Point Foundation and former Executive Director of The Trevor Project, for a deeply personal and timely conversation about LGBTQ+ leadership, resilience, and responsibility. Jorge shares how education, mentorship, a...

Some years give us answers — but as Chris Glass reminds us, some years ask questions that transform who we become. In this conversation, Jim Fielding sits down with Chris Glass, Global Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Soho House, to explore the humanity behind leadership, identity, and personal evolution. From navigating DEI in a shifting global landscape to returning to the U.S. a...

It's the one thing on everybody's mind: A.I. Is it here to help? To destroy? With so many opinions and so much complexity, it can be hard to understand where this technology is going and what it actually does to help. Jim is joined this week by AI pioneer Scott Clendaniel to discuss this topic and better understand the opportunity it presents, and the drawbacks it may bring. Episode Highlights: 0:...

Jim sits down with Brent Ridge (Beekman 1802 co-founder and author of Goat Wisdom ) for a heart-forward chat about building a legacy brand, leading with kindness, and turning real community into real company culture.  They get into the Beekman origin story (yes, the goats), why “kindness” became the brand’s north star, and practical lessons on partnerships, hiring, and storytelling in a three...

This week's episode features a trip down memory lane! Jim returns to Indiana University to sit down with student Joey Mora live and in front of the next generation of retail and fashion to discuss his journey, but more importantly: his success in the retail industry - how he got involved, and what informed him along the way that he was in the right place. Jim also dives into the specifics of his e...

This week, on Jim Fielding and Friends, Jim is joined by Oana Leonte, the Founder & Editor-in-Chief at unmtchd. Her company is a media platform decoding the business of brand and translating cultural insight into systems that scale. Oana sits down with Jim to discuss the path less travelled: Leaving corporate (and your job + safety net). The reason? To achieve a balance in life that few get. T...

Blake Collazzo is a PR operations and culture lead, community connector, and longtime collaborator on Jim’s book, brand, and podcast. Jim and Blake trace the genesis of their collaboration and their first intro via Joanne Martino, unpack a wild personal-assistant story that ended at a Ramada, talk vitality vs. stagnation, and get candid about coming out, “inviting in,” and showing up for the LGBTQ...

Brian Tran is a multi-hyphenate founder, designer, and community builder whose journey runs from Houston to Pandora, Kleiner Perkins, and an eight-year startup ride focused on LGBTQ+ connection. Jim and Brian unpack coming out at 13, landing a first VC check in 15 minutes, surviving pivots (including web3), the painful decision to shut down—and the hopeful next chapter: SE / “sector,” a platform c...

Dr. Jon Paul is fighting “the good fight” – which is even more important now, more than ever. Dr. Paul’s new book, “Black. Fat. Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices (in Media) and Learning to Love Yourself” is a guide to standing at the intersection of multiple identities, communities, and causes shapes people and how they see the world. Jim sits down with Dr. Jon to explore his jour...

In this special episode of Jim Fielding and Friends , Jim is joined by a close friend – Chris Glass! Chris is the Global Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Soho House & Co and is responsible for lead strategy and execution of DEI initiatives across the company's +40 Houses and +100K members. Chris joins Jim to catch-up and discuss recent events and how a changing political environm...

In this special episode of Jim Fielding and Friends, Jim is joined by fellow author Bruce Brackett! Bruce W. Brackett is a social media personality, author, entrepreneur, self-taught visual artist, and international motivational speaker. His book, “How to Breathe While Suffocating: A Story Of Overcoming Addiction, Recovering From Trauma and Healing My Soul” published by Wiley is now available ever...

In this special episode of Jim Fielding and Friends , Jim reconnects with one of his closest friends of over 40 years, Paul Caine, President of Endeavor’s IMG Events and On Location. What starts as a walk down memory lane quickly becomes a masterclass in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of relationships. Paul shares what it’s really like to run some of the world’s biggest events, from t...

This week, Jim sits down with legendary executive Mindy Grossman , Partner at The Consello Group and former CEO of WW (formerly Weight Watchers), to talk about what it really means to lead with purpose. Mindy shares the bold decisions that defined her career, from walking away from law school to diving headfirst into the fashion industry in New York City, and how trusting her gut led her to helm s...

What if retail wasn’t a fallback plan, but a power move? This week, Jim is joined by Ron Thurston, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and fierce advocate for the people who keep retail running. In this episode, Ron’s not just talking shop. He’s reframing the conversation entirely as they dive deep into the real value of retail work and why it deserves more respect, more pride, and a brighter fut...

What happens when a kid from Philadelphia’s inner city, armed with nothing but ambition and a guitar, transforms into a Grammy‑nominated songwriter behind P!nk’s anthems and Beyoncé’s ballads? Billy Mann knows. Welcome back to Jim Fielding and Friends! This week, Jim is joined by Billy, a music industry heavyweight whose name you may not know, but whose work you've certainly heard. Billy’s journey...

Welcome back to another episode of Jim Fielding and Friends! This week, Jim is joined by Ingrid Nilson and Erica Anderson! Ingrid is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The New Savant, a modern fragrance brand rooted in storytelling and connection. Before launching the company, she spent over a decade as a trailblazer on YouTube, helping shape the creator economy and building a loyal foll...

What happens when you combine sharp political strategy with unapologetic advocacy for equality? You get Brian Sims. Brian is currently the CEO of Agenda PAC, a political action committee with an aggressive and refreshing approach to defeating anti-LGBTQ+ politicians. Agenda PAC targets incumbents with anti-equality records using data-driven messaging, hard-hitting digital ads, and grassroots organ...

Welcome to the very first episode of Jim Fielding and Friends – the podcast where we explore what it truly means to lead and live with authenticity, kindness, and impact. This isn’t just a podcast about leadership—it’s about staying constantly curious, learning from people who challenge the status quo, and creating space for real conversations. Whether it’s a Fortune 500 executive, an LGBTQ+ trail...

Great leaders don’t just hold titles —they inspire change. On Jim Fielding and Friends, we explore what it truly means to lead and live with authenticity, kindness, and impact. Each episode brings together leaders who inspire me—leaders, creatives, changemakers, and bold thinkers —people who lead with heart, break barriers, and redefine success. Through candid conversations, we’ll uncover the pers...