That's A Great Story!

Are you trying to influence at work, at home, or in advocacy—without crossing the line into manipulation? If you’ve ever worried that persuasion = trickery, this episode shows how to use Dr. Robert Cialdini’s research in an ethical way — so you can reduce uncertainty, motivate action, and deepen relationships. Brian Ahearn (Cialdini Method Certified Trainer) reveals how principles like Liking, Rec...

What if you could predict economic growth faster and more accurately than the Federal Reserve—using images from space? Economic forecasting has always lagged behind reality, relying on outdated reports and anecdotal data. But what if real-time, satellite-driven insights could replace guesswork with precision? In this episode, we explore how satellite imagery and AI are revolutionizing our understa...

What if the greatest threat to innovation in your company isn’t AI — but how your team reacts to it? Innovation is accelerating fast — and AI is just the latest wave. But while leaders chase new tools, employees often wrestle with fear, confusion, or resistance. Whether it’s voicemail in the '90s or ChatGPT in your office today, introducing change without empathy can backfire. In this episode, for...

What if the secret to becoming an effective leader has nothing to do with titles, strategy, or KPIs—and everything to do with people?   In this episode, CEO Jacobia Solomon opens up about her non-linear rise from engineer to executive leader across companies like Ford, Newell Rubbermaid, and Memorial. She shares how she learned the hardest leadership lesson of all: that performance without people...

Can humor actually improve your job performance — or does it just get you in trouble? If you've ever held back a joke at work or felt unsure about whether humor is “professional,” this episode is for you. We dive into the surprisingly powerful role laughter plays in workplace communication, stress relief, and building trust — and how the wrong type of humor can backfire fast.   Discover the key di...

What if you had a simple language for emotions that lets you defuse conflict, feel safer, and actually change outcomes—in your marriage, at work, and even in a heated sports match? In this episode, pastoral counselor and author Myke Merrill explains “Reality Intelligence”—a practical framework that turns vague feelings into clear choices. If you’ve ever stumbled for the right words in a tough conv...

Host Barry Moline and Tara Landes delve into the intricacies of influence and persuasion, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices. Barry introduces three core elements of ethical persuasion: truth, common sense, and wisdom. Tara challenges the notion of common sense, arguing that it is subjective and context-dependent. They discuss how truth can also be interpreted differently based on ind...

Host Barry Moline and political analyst Michael Nolan examine the early months of Trump’s second term. They discuss the administration’s legislative victories, including the sweeping "HR 1" bill, which extends Trump-era tax cuts while slashing Medicaid, SNAP, and clean energy credits. The conversation covers the challenges of unified Republican government, controversial moves on tariffs, immigrati...

Host Barry interviews Michael Crowl, CEO of University Federal Credit Union (UFCU). Michael shares his unconventional career path, leadership philosophy, and the importance of member satisfaction in the credit union industry. He discusses UFCU’s focus on consumer banking, strategic decisions, and adapting to trends like digital transformation and AI. Michael emphasizes the value of authentic leade...

In this episode, host Barry Moline and Vladimir Bushin discuss the importance of making connections and fostering engagement in group settings. Barry introduces the concept of a "huddle," where participants introduce themselves by sharing their name, role, and company to reduce anxiety and create comfort. Vlad highlights the role of psychological cues and vulnerability in building connections, esp...

In this episode of the Great Idea Podcast, I talk with Stephanie Perrault, a Silicon Valley brand strategist and startup mentor. We discuss the critical role of branding for startups, emphasizing the importance of thorough market research, understanding the target audience, and the competitive landscape. Stephanie highlights how investors evaluate startups based on team, execution, and market read...

In this episode, we talk with Paty Araiza, the founder of ISA Recruiting, a firm dedicated to connecting top sales talent with early-stage startups. Paty shares her journey from a sales background to establishing her recruiting business, highlighting her transition from a training platform to a recruiting service. We discuss current job market trends, the impact of AI on hiring, and the importance...

In this episode, Barry interviews Latif Hamlani, a seasoned tech industry professional and CEO SAAS Consultants. Latif shares his career journey, emphasizing the dynamics of employee loyalty in large corporations and the importance of customer-centricity. He discusses his transition from a technical role to leadership and introduces SAAS Consultants, which focuses on partnerships and channel manag...

Chris Barnes shares his journey from an IT background to leadership roles, emphasizing the concept of a fractional COO and rising Vistage Chair. He explains how he helps businesses streamline operations and develop leadership structures, empowering teams to take on more responsibility. The discussion highlights the importance of genuine leadership development, distinguishing it from mere training....

In this episode of the Great Ideas Podcast, Austin Ambrozi explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly artificial general intelligence (AGI). Austin discusses how AGI is redefining machines from tools to peers, enhancing industries like healthcare and software development by providing junior workers with access to advanced knowledge. Our conversation also touch...

In this episode of the Great Idea Podcast, Megan Robinson explores the intersection of leadership and sales techniques, focusing on professionals who may not see themselves as salespeople. Megan dispels misconceptions about sales, advocating for a consultative approach that emphasizes understanding and empathy. They discuss the decision-making process, highlighting the importance of awareness, exp...

In this podcast episode, Barry and Jamie discuss the evolving strategies of the Trump administration, contrasting the "politics of subtraction" from Trump's first term with the more inclusive "politics of addition" seen in his current approach. They explore Trump's openness to diverse ideas and individuals, such as Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and how this shift impacts governance. The con...

Barry and guest Kris Kelso delve into the topic of imposter syndrome, a common experience of self-doubt among high achievers, especially entrepreneurs. Kris shares his journey as a business owner without formal training, highlighting the challenges and self-doubt he faced. Barry, drawing from his extensive experience as a CEO, reflects on his own encounters with imposter syndrome. They discuss str...

We talk with Gordon Stein, author of "Cash Flow Cookbook," to discuss the financial wellness of Americans. We highlight issues such as low savings rates, living paycheck to paycheck, and the rise of long-term car loans. Gordon shares practical strategies for improving financial health without sacrificing lifestyle, including tips on reducing everyday expenses like energy bills, insurance, and pres...

Judi Hays, a marketing strategist and LinkedIn consultant, discusses effective LinkedIn strategies for networking and relationship building, emphasizing the benefits of warm prospecting over cold calling. Judi shares insights on leveraging LinkedIn connections, maintaining a robust network, and utilizing LinkedIn features like voice messages and company pages. Barry reflects on his own experiences...

Anders Indset discusses his latest book, "The Viking Code." Anders explores the interplay between collectivism and individualism in Norwegian culture, particularly in sports, and how these principles apply to leadership and business. He shares insights on building high-performance cultures rooted in community, trust, and collaboration. Anders also delves into his background in Olympic handball and...

Today we’re talking with Michael Nolan. Michael is a DC lobbyist and political maven. We talk about the presidential election, Donald Trump’s mandate, or was it a landslide? We discuss how the president Trump will govern with Republicans controlling both houses of Congress. We talk about cabinet pics, and get into the impacts on the Senate and House. We dig into energy policy at DOE, EPA, the futu...

In this episode of the Great Ideas Podcast, host Barry Moline talks with political operative Jamie Miller about the complexities of political polling and the upcoming presidential election. Jamie emphasizes the importance of state-level polling over national averages, explaining how localized data better reflects voter sentiment. They discuss the nuances of polling averages, the impact of candidat...

In this episode of "Talkin Politics," host Barry Moline and DC lobbyist Michael Nolan analyze the recent vice presidential debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance. They discuss the candidates' performances, noting Walz's strategic civility and the Democratic frustration with his approach. The conversation shifts to the presidential race, highlighting the tight polling...

In this episode of the Great Ideas Podcast, host Barry Moline and political commentator Michael Nolan analyze the recent presidential debate in Philadelphia between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They discuss the candidates' performances, preparation, and key moments, such as Harris's strategic approach and Trump's lack of audience interaction. The conversation also covers significant issues like...