Think accountants just crunch numbers? Think they’re boring compliance people? Think again. In this episode, Rob and Richard Fleischman, Partner at Haynie & Company, dive into the dramatic evolution of CPA firms over the last twenty years—and why today’s accountants are becoming indispensable strategic partners for growing businesses. They unpack how strong client relationships, industry collaborations with other service providers, better communication, and the smart use of AI are reshaping the profession. Richard shares real-world insights on mentorship, firm culture, and navigating global compliance challenges, all highlighting the passion and collaboration fueling the modern accounting world.
Feel free to follow and engage with RICHARD here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers
06:20 The Evolving Role of CPAs
10:50 Teaching Entrepreneurs About CPA Relationships
17:11 The Modern CPA Firm Landscape
24:41 Sales and Business Development in Accounting
35:11 Leveraging Relationships with Other Professionals
38:05 Managing Client Expectations
38:58 Building Professional Relationships
40:58 The Importance of Integrity in Business
42:52 Haney's Core Values and Growth
46:17 Collaboration and Team Dynamics
52:20 The Impact of AI on Accounting
59:34 Passion for Helping Others
01:04:58 International Expansion and Compliance
It’s Friday and we’re back with another Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob! This week, we dive into one big theme that kept showing up in every conversation I had: the power of telling your unique story.
From my chat with LA startup lawyer Alex Bruno to conversations with founders, mentees, and friends, I was reminded that even in an era dominated by AI, our humanity and our personal stories remain our greatest advantage.
In this episode, I reflect on why storytelling matters more than ever—how it shapes trust, influences business decisions, and opens doors we didn’t even know existed. I also share how Diana and I are rethinking our own story as The Storytellers Company moves into 2026, and why so many leaders struggle to communicate the vision they see so clearly in their own minds.
If you’re building something, leading a team, or simply trying to better express who you are and what you stand for, this episode will push you to think deeper about your story and how you choose to tell it.
Thanks for spending your Friday with me. Peace, love, joy… and clarity on your story.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Business
05:58 Connecting Through Humanity and Technology
11:38 Embracing Your Unique Narrative
What can one of LA’s best local lawyers teach us about scaling your business? Can Lawyers make it easier to do find and do business with them? In this episode, Rob and Alex Bruno, Founder and Lawyer at the Bruno Group, break down the essential legal fundamentals every entrepreneur needs in place before scaling, while also talking about the importance of storytelling and building great relationships in your community! From why a simple written agreement can prevent major problems to how founders can use technology like Ai, this conversation gives you the clarity you need to protect your ideas and build your business from day one.
Feel free to follow and engage with ALEX here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers
04:46 The Importance of Human Relationships in Law
07:29 Evolution of the Los Angeles Economy
10:48 Diversity and Its Impact on Business
12:29 Adapting Legal Practices Over Time
15:19 The Role of Technology in Law
21:20 Understanding the Bruno Group
24:50 Defining Startups vs. Small Businesses
29:21 Navigating Client Relationships and Expectations
33:15 The Importance of Specialization
34:43 The Power of Storytelling in Business
38:06 Innovative Business Models for Lawyers
46:47 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey
52:37 Understanding Business Exits
58:03 Actionable Legal Advice for Founders
Welcome back to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob — the special USA holiday-weekend edition! 🇺🇸🦃 In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, Rob dives into a wide-ranging conversation that blends gratitude, personal reflection, and one of the most important workplace topics of 2025: how, where, and why we work.
Fresh off Thanksgiving week (bum knee and all!), Rob unpacks the evolving debate around “Return to Office or Not” — moving far beyond corporate talking points to explore how the meaning of “the workplace” is transforming for employees, leaders, entrepreneurs, and companies worldwide. Drawing from his powerful conversation with this week’s “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” guest, Stephen Hargett — Founder & CEO of Wrkspace in Los Angeles — Rob reflects on how work culture, physical space, co-working, flexibility, and our “whole person” needs are reshaping the future of work.
You’ll hear insights on:
✨ The rise of personalized, flexible workspaces
✨ Why the real question isn’t if we return to offices, but how workplaces must evolve
✨ How making work feel a bit more like “play” might just unlock our best selves
✨ What Stephen is learning from designers, architects, executives, and innovators every day
And alongside all this forward-looking conversation, Rob opens his heart with raw gratitude: navigating a challenging 2025, recovering from a tough knee injury, reflecting on devastating events in Los Angeles, celebrating family and chosen family, honoring his incredible team, and recognizing the joy, love, and resilience that anchor him through every season.
If you need inspiration, perspective, big ideas, or simply a warm voice reminding you to find meaning even in hard times — this is the episode to settle in with.
Hit Follow or Subscribe to join our community and never miss a new conversation from Entrepreneurial Thinkers or a new Friday edition of Stoppage Time.
Wishing you peace, gratitude, and a beautiful weekend wherever you are.
See you next week ❤️💫
What if the key to better work isn’t another policy—but more play, curiosity, and humanity? In this episode, Rob visits with one of Los Angeles’ up and coming young entrepreneurs, Stephen Hargett, Founder at Wrkspace, to explore how our relationship with work is rapidly evolving. They discuss how the pandemic reshaped workplace expectations, why rigid mandates fall short, and how intentional, human-centered environments can unlock creativity and productivity. Stephen shares his vision for an intelligent workplace operating system—one that blends technology with emotional intelligence to elevate the human experience and help companies deliver better work experiences for their employees. Together, they explore the power of humility in leadership, the future of co-working spaces, and the essential questions every corporate leader should be asking to build a thriving, people-first culture.
Feel free to follow and engage with STEPHEN here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers
04:00 The Evolution of Work: From Traditional to Flexible
11:39 The Future of Work: Play Spaces and Creativity
20:28 The Dichotomy of College and Work
24:53 The Changing Landscape of Co-Working Spaces
29:50 Workspace: The Intelligent Operating System for Workplaces
32:20 Understanding User vs. Customer
34:31 Nimble Solutions for Space Management
36:42 The Challenge of Point Solutions
39:51 The Origin Story of Workspace
45:32 The Vision for Workspace's Future
47:27 The Role of AI in Workspace
52:01 Life Lessons from Sports and Family
57:58 Key Questions for Corporate Leaders
Welcome back to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob! This week’s episode takes us into one of the most important skills we can develop in today’s chaotic information universe—the art of becoming a “Critical Ignorer.” Inspired by my recent conversation with scientific researcher, author, and social-science communicator Matthew Facciani (a.k.a. the Bill Nye of the Social Sciences), this Stoppage Time dives deep into how we can better protect our minds from the nonstop flood of mis- and disinformation surrounding us.
In a world where trusted sources have faded and algorithms serve us endless noise, we’re left to decide for ourselves what’s real, credible, or even human-generated. But as Matthew reminds us, it’s not just about being a critical thinker anymore—it’s about mastering what we allow into our brains in the first place. Today, I share the simple but powerful techniques I’ve used since 2020 to guard my attention, reduce digital clutter, and stay intentional about the information I consume. And, unexpectedly, I learned during our conversation that one of my habits is actually a scientifically recognized strategy!
I also reflect on why these lessons connect so profoundly with another recent episode featuring Minda Harts, where we explored trust—how we build it, how we lose it, and why it matters. Taken together, these conversations offer a roadmap for navigating life as entrepreneurs, leaders, investors, and conscious humans in an overloaded, combative media landscape.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I trust this? Should I even pay attention to it?”—this episode is for you.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant buzz of information—this episode is for you.
And if you want to understand yourself, others, and your digital world with more clarity—this episode is definitely for you.
Grab a warm drink (I’ve got my heater going here in chilly, pre-winter Los Angeles), settle in, and join me on the journey toward peace, discernment, and a little more intentionality as we all practice becoming better critical ignorers.
Peace, joy, love… and a whole lot of discernment.
Peace out!
Ever wonder why smart people fall for (mis) or disinformation—and why it’s so hard to change someone’s mind? In this episode, Rob visits with Matthew Facciani, accomplished researcher, Author, podcaster and as Rob calls him, the “Bill Nye the Science Guy” of Social Sciences. They dig into how identity, emotion, and social media collide to shape what we believe. They unpack the rise of polarization, the role of empathy in bridging divides, and how AI is changing our information game. Matthew offers insights on how critical thinking and self-awareness can help us see through the noise and rethink how we engage with the world online and in real life.
Feel free to follow and engage with MATTHEW here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
03:41 Understanding Beliefs and Identity
08:05 The Evolution of Political Polarization
15:21 Factors Contributing to Misinformation
18:24 The Breakdown of Shared Truths
25:03 The Role of Experts in Modern Discourse
29:41 Building Trust in Communication
30:37 The Art of Critical Ignoring
38:51 Understanding Misinformation vs. Disinformation
46:39 The Role of Identity in Belief Formation
53:50 The Complexity of Identity and Connection
56:16 Empathy and Intergroup Contact
58:58 The Role of Third Spaces in Society
01:01:01 The Power of Social Media in Science Communication
01:06:43 AI's Impact on Misinformation
01:11:57 Practical Steps to Combat Misinformation
Welcome back to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob — that sacred space between the end of a long week and the start of whatever the weekend has in store. This week, Los Angeles is gearing up for a rare “rainy winter” stretch, and I’m settling in with you for a thoughtful, creative, and energizing catch-up.
In this episode, I reflect on another fast-moving week of 2025—from an eye-opening conversation with Brand Strategist & Designer Lynne Door on Entrepreneurial Thinkers, to a much-needed creative sandbox session with my powerhouse producer, Diana Bernal. Lynne helped us understand what it really takes to build a meaningful brand today: telling your unique story, deeply understanding your audience, and designing with real authenticity. At the same time, Diana and I have been dreaming, experimenting, and tinkering with the future of Stoppage Time itself.
Together, we’re exploring new ideas to make this show even more valuable and fun for you—whether that means highlighting wisdom from our Entrepreneurial Thinkers guests, answering your questions, digging into insights from our 185+ past episodes, showcasing partner stories, or sharing behind-the-scenes moments from my week. Nothing is off the table… because in the creative sandbox, imagination sets the only limits.
Through personal updates—including my knee injury saga, the chaos of American healthcare, and the political moment we’re living in—I’m reminded of something essential: we all own our stories. In this age of decentralized media, you don’t need permission to share your voice, your lessons, or your ideas. As Lynne said: “We are all our own unique living, breathing brand story waiting to be told.”
So join me for this week’s journey—part reflection, part inspiration, part brainstorming session—and a whole lot of heart. If you’re in LA, stay dry out there… and if you’ve got creative ideas on how Diana and I can evolve this show for you, reach out. I’m always listening.
Wishing you peace, love, joy… and full permission to play in the sandbox of your own life, career, and business.
What is “your brand” and How do you build one? In today’s noisy marketing landscape, how do you tell the story of your business, to clients and community?! Ever wonder why some brands just click with people? In this episode, Rob and his friend, Brand Strategist and Designer, Lynne Door uncover the real magic behind great branding—it’s not just about logos, it’s about storytelling, emotion, and authenticity. They explore how businesses can connect with customers on a human level, leverage the power of consistent design, and how understanding your “why” is the critical piece to building a brand and business that lasts.
Feel free to follow and engage with LYNNE here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Branding and Storytelling03:49 The Importance of Human Connection in Design08:06 Beyond Logos: The Essence of Branding12:07 The Role of Values in Brand Strategy14:48 The Emotional Impact of Good Design18:23 Understanding Client Needs Through Discovery23:35 Branding for Diverse Products and Services26:11 Consistency Across Platforms27:46 Refreshing Brands Without Losing Authenticity33:08 The Future of Design in a Digital Age39:08 The Shift Towards Authentic Storytelling44:41 Lynn Doar's Design Philosophy and Client Approach49:01 Lessons Learned from Clients51:27 Tactical Branding Tips for Businesses
Hey hey, it’s Uncle Rob! 👋 It’s Friday, November 7th, and we’re back for another episode of Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob — the weekly space where I slow things down, reflect, and share a few stories from the journey of life, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
This week’s episode is a mix of nostalgia, storytelling, and reflection — all sparked by my latest Entrepreneurial Thinkers conversation with my longtime friend Rocío Fonseca, Founder of DREI Ventures in Santiago, Chile. That chat took me right back to my years living and working across Latin America — the people, the culture, and the life lessons that shaped everything I do today.
From an unexpected knee injury in Hollywood (yep, I’m recording this one on crutches!) to the origin story of how “Uncle Rob” was born on a rooftop in Santiago, to the deeper “why” behind the stories we tell on our shows — this episode brings it all together.
If you’ve ever thought about taking a leap, reinventing yourself, or finding meaning in your work and leadership journey — this one’s for you. I share how my own midlife adventure of selling everything, moving abroad with just three bags, and diving into the unknown became the foundation for the community we’ve built here.
So grab your coffee (or your favorite drink), settle in, and join me for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, connection, and the power of storytelling.
🎙️ Welcome to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob — where every minute counts, even after the final whistle.
Can you build a modern Nation on the collaboration between the best startup entrepreneurs, private capital and corporate executives? What happens when startups stop chasing hype and start solving real societal problems? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with long time Chilean innovation leader, Rocio Fonseca, Co-founder of Drei Ventures, to explore how Chile is becoming a hotbed for innovation with purpose. They discuss the evolving startup scene, why legacy matters more than ever, and how connecting bold entrepreneurs with forward-thinking corporations is changing the game. Rocio brings raw insight, practical wisdom, and a powerful vision for a more sustainable entrepreneurial future.
Feel free to follow and engage with ROCIO here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers
02:59 The Entrepreneurial Economy in Chile
05:47 Opportunities and Challenges in Chile's Startup Ecosystem
08:48 The Role of Corporations in Innovation
11:56 Cross-Industry Innovations and Trends
14:58 Obstacles to Growth in Chile's Entrepreneurial Landscape
17:57 Cultural Barriers and Social Capital
20:53 The Impact of Government on Entrepreneurship
23:49 Globalization vs. Nationalism in Latin America
26:51 The Future of Innovation in Chile
33:16 Navigating Public Sector Funding Risks
35:43 Transitioning to Dre Ventures
39:40 Connecting Corporations and Startups
44:45 Vision for the Future of Dre Ventures
48:41 Challenging Gender Dynamics in Corporate Culture
51:37 Personal Innovation and Lifelong Learning
55:30 Legacy and Results in Corporate Leadership
Hey hey—it’s Friday, it’s Halloween, and it’s time for another round of Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob!
In this week’s episode, I’m catching up on life, reflecting on Halloween traditions (past and future), and diving deep into the week that was—new Entrepreneurial Thinkers episodes, big developments in California’s booming Life Sciences industry, and some personal thoughts on creativity, purpose, and what’s next for this very show.
You’ll hear about my recent conversation with my good friend (and show alum) Dave Whelan as we explore how massive investments and new innovation hubs are shaping the future of Life Sciences in Los Angeles—and how that’s changing the way we’ll all live and thrive in the years ahead.
Beyond that, it’s one of those laid-back, honest Fridays where we take a step back and ask: What’s this show really about? Has it evolved, or is it ready to evolve again? And how can we make it even more valuable or inspiring for you—our listeners and friends?
So grab a coffee (or maybe a little leftover Halloween candy), settle in, and join me for another thoughtful, unscripted hangout full of reflection, inspiration, and a touch of weekend energy.
💬 Got ideas for where Stoppage Time should go next? Drop me a DM @iamrobryan — I’d love to hear from you.
Peace out, happy Halloween, and see you next week! 👋🎃
Is our Life Sciences industry the most under-reported unicorn in California’s industrial dominance? Can Life Sciences innovation survive the USA government’s assault on science? In this eye-opening episode, Rob sits down with friend Dave Whelan, to uncover how LA is rapidly transforming into a major player in biotech and health innovation. They discuss groundbreaking projects like UCLA’s new Research Park, the explosion of AI in drug discovery, and how diversity and storytelling are shaping the future of healthcare and life sciences startups. From political roadblocks to billion-dollar opportunities, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone curious about where health tech is heading—and why LA might just be leading the charge.
Feel free to follow and engage with DAVE here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers
04:46 The Evolution of Life Sciences in California
19:03 UCLA Research Park: A New Era for Innovation
28:37 The Vision for Life Sciences Development
33:31 The Role of Universities in Life Sciences
37:23 Navigating Funding Challenges in Academia
47:03 Breakthroughs in Life Sciences and AI's Impact
56:55 Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases
58:47 Diversity in Innovation and Health Sciences
01:06:37 The Importance of Storytelling in Health Tech
01:11:56 Dave Whelan's Multifaceted Career and Contributions
01:18:04 Key Mistakes in Health Tech Innovation
Hey hey, Happy Friday, and welcome back to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob — our weekly Friday ritual to pause, reflect, and connect.
This week, Uncle Rob dives deep into one powerful theme that shaped both his professional and personal life: TRUST.
From an inspiring conversation with best-selling author and workplace culture expert Minda Harts — exploring the seven trust languages and what it means to build genuine, trust-centered workplaces — to a heartfelt moment celebrating his grandson Leo’s first birthday in Griffith Park, Uncle Rob discovers how trust weaves through every part of life.
Through laughter, love, and reflection, he connects these moments to a larger question: how do we rebuild trust in each other, in our communities, and in our shared truths during a time when distrust seems to rule our world?
Join the conversation as Uncle Rob unpacks lessons from Minda’s wisdom, moments of family joy, and his own reflections on the state of our society — all reminding us that trust isn’t just a concept… it’s the foundation of who we are together.
Watch, listen, and take a pause with Uncle Rob — because a little reflection can go a long way toward leaving the world better than we found it.
Is trust dead at work? Maybe it is. Do you trust the folks you work with? Maybe not. Bestselling author, workplace culture expert and filmmaker Minda Harts says it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, she joins Rob, to explore the real reasons trust breaks down in organizations—and what leaders can do to rebuild it. From generational differences to communication gaps, Minda shares practical insights from her own life and her new book, “Talk to Me Nice, The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace.” She reveals how these “7 Trust Languages” can transform your teams, our leadership and our work cultures. Whether you're a leader, manager, or team member, this is a must-listen if you want to create a workplace where people feel heard, respected, and valued or if you want to ensure you are seen and valued in your career.
Feel free to follow and engage with MINDA here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Trust in the Workplace
07:55 Building Trust Through Communication
13:29 The Role of Generational Differences in Trust
21:31 Understanding Trust Languages
25:59 Implementing Trust Languages for Better Relationships
34:04 The Impact of Leadership on Workplace Culture
36:28 Innovative Approaches to Building Trust
38:57 Navigating Societal Extremes and Workplace Dynamics
41:36 The Crossroads of Progress and Regression
47:34 Minda's Creative Journey: From Writer to Filmmaker
57:42 Empowering Employees to Challenge the Status Quo
In this episode of Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob, we dive deep into the power of storytelling, writing, and human creativity—and why these uniquely human skills matter now more than ever. As AI continues to evolve, there's an urgent need to protect the core of what makes us human: our stories, our words, and our voices.
Rob reflects on the journey of building a podcast business rooted in community, authenticity, and purpose, while celebrating the incredible stories emerging from new creators. Joined by writer and thought leader Leta McCullough Seletzky, this wide-ranging conversation challenges the idea that AI can—or should—replace our creative expression. Together, they explore how writing grounds us, how podcasting amplifies voices, and how gratitude and storytelling fuel both entrepreneurship and personal growth.
This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a reminder that your voice matters. Your story matters. And in a world speeding toward automation, choosing to write, read, and reflect is an act of radical humanity.
If you care about creativity, entrepreneurship, and living with intention—this one’s for you. Stick around for the whole journey.
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Storytelling and Creativity
02:44 The Power of Personal Stories
06:07 Writing in the Age of AI
08:54 The Importance of Storytelling in Business
12:04 Reflections on Life and Gratitude
What happens to our ability to tell stories, when machines can write everything for us? In this compelling conversation that explores a fundamental piece of our humanity. Rob sits down with author, professor, and former federal government attorney, Leta McCollough Seletzky, whose writing has been featured in the New York Times, Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post and elsewhere, to explore the future and importance of writing in this age of AI. Leta explains why our ability to write and read, as humans is critical to our existence and our ability to thrive as a species, and how writing connects us, as well as what it takes to inspire the next generation of voices. Leta also opens up about her powerful memoir The Kneeling Man, revealing a deeply personal story tied to a defining moment in American history and her own upbringing. This episode is a reminder of the enduring power of words—even in a world that's rapidly changing.
Feel free to follow and engage with LETA here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Writing in Society
05:52 AI's Role in Writing and Communication
11:56 The Value of Writing Skills in a Digital Age
17:51 Teaching Writing: Methods and Approaches
23:59 Inspiring the Next Generation of Writers
29:42 Diversity in Storytelling and Its Societal Impact
35:56 The Kneeling Man: A Personal Story
47:46 Navigating Public Discourse and Online Communication
53:31 The Power of Writing in Today's World
59:38 Career Evolution: From Law to Writing
Welcome back to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob! In this week’s episode, Rob Ryan takes you on a deep, unfiltered journey through the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of life, business, and everything in between. From electric vehicles and entrepreneurial lessons to emotional sports moments and the power of family, this episode is a rich tapestry of real talk, personal growth, and current events.
Rob reflects on the week’s most impactful stories—not just what's happening in the world, but how it all connects to everyday life. You’ll hear candid takes on politics and civic engagement, hard truths about the challenges in the EV industry, and heartfelt moments about the importance of community, storytelling, and staying grounded.
Whether you're here for the sports breakdowns, life advice, or raw entrepreneurial insights, this episode has something for everyone. So sit back, lock in, and enjoy a powerful blend of thought-provoking commentary, personal reflection, and a few laughs along the way.
While everyone is focusing on EV cars, who is looking out after the charger network to power all those cars? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down here in Los Angeles, with Kameale Terry, the humble and innovative CEO of ChargerHelp, to explore the surprising gaps in clean energy infrastructure — and her teams’ bold ideas to build the diverse workforce needed to fix them. From her unexpected path out of retail banking to becoming a clean energy leader, Kameale shares what it takes to build a business, a movement, and a future-ready workforce in the clean energy space. Whether you're pursuing a career in clean energy, or are starting or investing in the green tech companies, or are an EV owner, wondering how we’ll keep your cars running across the nation, this episode brings fresh insight and practical takeaways.
Feel free to follow and engage with KAMEALE here:
We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.
As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.
¡Cheers y gracias!,
Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers
03:39 Meet Kameale Terry: A Leader in Clean Energy
09:46 The Future of EV Charging Infrastructure
12:49 The State of EV Adoption and Infrastructure
17:49 Global Perspectives on Clean Energy Innovations
23:42 Workforce Development in Clean Energy
29:47 ChargerHelp: Revolutionizing EV Charging Services
35:48 The Future of Clean Tech and Smart Cities
39:44 Navigating Political Challenges in Clean Energy
44:43 Personal Reflections and Insights from Kameale
49:36 Actionable Steps for Entering the Clean Tech Industry
This week on Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob we're diving deep into a concept we all know but often avoid: Tension.
But what if tension isn't just stress, discomfort, or friction? What if it's also fuel — for innovation, creative thinking, and breakthrough growth?
In this episode, Uncle Rob reflects on the everyday tensions we face as individuals, professionals, and citizens — from political polarization and economic pressure, to personal challenges in entrepreneurship and leadership. He shares inspiration from his time in Chile and the powerful ideas of Jugaad Innovation — where resourcefulness and resilience drive innovation from the ground up, not top-down.
📖 Check out the book “Jugaad Innovation: Think Frugal, Be Flexible, Generate Breakthrough Growth” by Navi Radjou: https://www.amazon.com/Jugaad-Innovation-Flexible-Generate-Breakthrough/dp/1118249747
We also explore how tension shows up in the lives of those breaking barriers and navigating new spaces — like this week’s guest, Marisa “Ritzy P” Estrada Rivera, who joins the conversation to talk about the tensions of identity, motherhood, advocacy, and showing up boldly in rooms that weren’t always built for her.
At its core, this episode is a reminder that tension is not the enemy — it’s an invitation. To think differently. To push boundaries. To stretch ourselves — and like a rubber band pulled beyond its limits — come out bigger, stronger, and more capable than before.
So if you're navigating your own crossroads, balancing dreams with pressure, or simply looking for a thoughtful pause in your week — this one's for you.
Tune in, reflect, and let's reframe tension as a powerful tool for progress.
Peace, love, and fresh perspective —
Uncle Rob