Host Ken Woodward talks with Tim Molnar, who shares how he developed his strategic dating framework by applying research principles to dating, emphasizing the importance of asking better questions about ourselves and potential partners. He explores how traditional metrics like "feeling a spark" can be misleading compared to questions about safety, visibility, and energy levels after being with someone. The conversation highlights how self-awareness, intentional action, and thoughtful questioning can increase the probability of building fulfilling relationships while also creating space for continued growth and evolution within partnerships.
#29 Dave Reynolds: Cultivating Transformational Growth Through Questions
Host Ken Woodward talks with Dave Reynolds, CEO of the Rumin8 Group, about the impact of purposeful questioning in leadership and coaching. Reynolds shares his journey of learning the value of questions through his mentor Pablo, emphasizing transformation over transactional leadership. They discuss the importance of preparing for coaching conversations, asking in-depth questions, and fostering a culture of coaching and accountability in organizations. Reynolds also introduces concepts from his new book "Radicle Growth," which focuses on using questions to drive personal and organizational growth. The episode highlights the need for leaders to go beyond surface-level interactions, commit to ongoing development, and engage more deeply with their teams through strategic questioning.
#28 Lisa Wimberger: From Lightning's Wrath to Neuro Resilience
Host Ken Woodward converses with Lisa Wimberger about the transformative power of curiosity and the practice of Neurosculpting. Lisa shares her harrowing experiences of being hit by lightning and suffering from non-epileptic seizures, which led her to develop a unique healing modality by combining brain science and mindfulness. Through this dialogue, Lisa explains how asking the right questions can lead to profound personal growth and healing, providing practical insights into emotional regulation and neuroplasticity. Listeners also gain a deeper understanding of how Lisa has utilized her experiences to help corporate leaders, law enforcement, and first responders improve their mental resilience.
#27 Ken Woodward: A Fork, A Precipice, A Decision
Host Ken Woodward shares a personal and professional dilemma faced upon receiving an unexpected resignation offer from his government employer. Reflecting on extensive conversations and internal contemplation, Ken explores the strengths and vulnerabilities of his situation.
Highlighting the obstacles and emotional turmoil faced while deciding to stay the course or resign, Ken raises numerous thought-provoking questions and discusses the considerations influencing his final decision. Through analyzing the risks and rewards, Ken aims to inspire others to leverage questioning for personal growth and decision-making even in uncertain times.
#26 Chad Littlefield: The Catalyst for Collaborative Conversations
Chad Littlefield is the co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of We and Me (www.weand.me). The organization aims to help leaders, educators, and events make connection easy. His successful 2015 Kickstarter for We! Connect Cards: Create Conversations that Matter, which is comprised of cards with questions on the front and a stretch on the back intended to make conversations fun and meaningful. Forbes calls Chad a “global expert on asking questions that build trust and connection in teams.” He is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and creator of Connection Toolkit™, which is now being used to create conversations that matter on campuses and companies in over 80 countries worldwide.
Chad and his late partner Will Wise launched their books How to Make Virtual Engagement Easy and Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations that Matter, both #1 Amazon Bestsellers. Chad's YouTube channel has over a million views, and he hosts the annual Connectors Summit in December to bring people together to hone their skills and meet like-minded people leading the vital work of connecting. He lives and delivers the enthusiasm you expect for someone trying to change the world through intentional connection.
The conversation delves into the transformative power of asking meaningful questions and building connections. Chad shares his journey of discovering the impact of questions, We Connect Cards' origin, and intention's role in effective questioning. The discussions also explore practical strategies for fostering deep connections and the societal impact of genuine curiosity. Full of insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their communicative skills and fostering stronger relationships.
#25 Seth Godin: Embracing Tension & Unleashing Questions Strategic Potential
Seth Godin is a bestselling author of 22 books in 39 languages, entrepreneur, and speaker. In April of 2025, he will upload his 10,000th daily blog post to one of the most popular blogs in the world; yeah, that's over 27 years of daily writing. Seth founded Squidoo and Yoyodyne (acquired by Yahoo!) and is credited as the inventor of email marketing (the good kind).
Seth has given five TED talks, including two that rank as the most popular of all time. By teaching about everything from effective marketing and leadership to the spread of ideas and our responsibilities as leaders, Seth has motivated and inspired people worldwide.
The conversation delves into Seth's background, achievements, and philosophy behind the power of asking questions. They discuss how questions can create tension, drive more profound understanding, and foster meaningful connections. Seth shares anecdotes from his experiences, offering practical examples of strategically using questions in various contexts, from personal interactions to professional settings.
The episode underscores the necessity of intentionality in asking questions to effect change, highlighting the strategic importance of inquiry in personal growth and leadership. It concludes with reflections on empathy, systemic challenges, and the enduring significance of caring and trying to make a difference, no matter the state of the world.
#21 Shreyaa & Esha Venkat: A Clarion Call For Kindness & Social Good!
Sisters Shreyaa and Esha Venkat discuss the challenges they faced as young activists, the importance of asking questions, and their efforts to expand the nonprofit's impact both locally and globally. The conversation also touches on their personal development, the significance of self-care, and how community service has shaped their lives. Shreyaa and Esha emphasize the importance of involving young people in sustainable development and the power of simple acts of kindness. The episode encourages listeners to consider how they can make a difference in their communities and impact the world positively. Listen in for lots of questions!
#20 EbonyJanice Moore: A Benediction For Black Womanhood And Softness!
EbonyJanice recounts how her grandmother taught her to question texts early on. She shares insights from her spiritual mentorship program, 'Dream Yourself Free', and discusses her book 'All the Black Girls Are Activists' which delves into Black women's pursuit of dreams as resistance. EbonyJanice elaborates on the power of dreaming from a place of safety rather than resistance and the impact of nurturing Black women in her community. The discussion touches on societal pressures, systemic inequities, and the potential for transformative change when Black women are listened to and supported.
#19 Jerry Colonna: A Courageous Quest For Beloved Community
Through sharing personal stories, Jerry delves into the impact of his childhood, his experiences with depression, and his path to becoming a reporter who asked probing questions and tackling subjects that elicited deep emotional responses from business executives. He also discusses historical contexts and systemic issues stemming from fear and curiosity. Additionally, Jerry discusses the importance of remembering and acknowledging personal and communal histories to build better futures. The conversation is rich with insights into how powerful questions foster growth, belonging, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
#16 Chazz Scott: Mental Conditioning & The Path To Self-Discovery
Chazz shares his journey of self-discovery, catalyzed by reading 'The Power of Positive Thinking' and how this led him to establish nonprofit Positively Caviar, focusing on youth mental health resilience. Chazz emphasizes the role of questions in understanding oneself and shaping one’s destiny. He discusses how his personal struggles, including overcoming a significant injury, have informed his approach to self-care and mental wellness. The conversation covers the importance of slowing down, being inquisitive, and developing morning routines as pathways to living authentically. Chazz highlights how empowering questions and self-inquiry can alter our perspectives and enhance our lives.
#09 Derek Sivers: Challenging Conventions, Reframing, & The Intentional Path
Derek delves into his experiences with questioning assumptions, pushing boundaries, and the role of journaling for self-reflection. The conversation encompasses topics like the importance of reframing perspectives, cultural differences in questioning, and Sivers' embrace of minimalism. He advocates for reframing situations and adopting beliefs that are useful over what is "true." Practical advice and anecdotes underscore the value of curiosity and inquiry, offering valuable insights into leading a more examined life through the transformative power of questions.