In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum talks with Greg Bergdorf—founding guitarist of the Grammy-nominated, gold-record band Zebrahead—about creativity, reinvention, and the mindset behind mastering more than one craft. Greg reflects on his journey from garage rehearsals and backyard keggers to international tours, and what it was like to walk away from fame to build a new life in real estate. He shares how lessons from music—persistence, collaboration, and curiosity—translate into success in any field, and why hard work still beats talent when the two meet on stage or in business. From building one of the first fan email lists in the mid-'90s to producing independent films and mentoring new musicians, Greg shows how reinvention isn't about starting over—it's about carrying your mindset forward. Topics Explored: * Learning persistence and adaptability through music * How early marketing instincts (fan mailing lists, DIY promo) shaped later business success * Transitioning from global touring to local business life * The balance between art, family, and self-identity * Lessons from producing music and coaching creativity * Teaching the next generation: work ethic, passion, and patience Links: * Greg's website: https://www.gregbergdorf.com [https://www.gregbergdorf.com/] * The Bourbon Brothers Band: https://bourbonbrothersband.com [https://bourbonbrothersband.com/] * Connect with Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greg_bergdorf * Zebrahead official site: https://www.zebrahead.com [https://www.zebrahead.com/] * Episode with Ryan Hogan: https://unfoldingthought.com/36-ryan-hogan-the-recruiting-industry-is-broken/ For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum talks with Dr. Lance Mortlock—Managing Partner for Industrials & Energy at EY Canada, adjunct professor, and author of Outside In, Inside Out and Disaster Proof. Together they explore how leaders can create clarity and resilience in a world defined by uncertainty, disruption, and accelerating change. Lance shares what decades of advising executives have taught him about why most strategies fail—not because they're wrong, but because they're poorly executed—and how his "diamond framework" helps organizations balance external insight with internal capability. The conversation ranges from the evolution of AI and scenario planning to why balance, adaptability, and courage define the best leaders and companies. Topics Covered * How Lance's work as a strategist and adjunct professor shaped his writing * The continuing impact of AI on organizational design and decision-making * Why humans remain essential for understanding—beyond data and knowledge * The "Outside-In / Inside-Out" diamond framework for strategy and execution * The role of balance: vertical (external vs. internal) and horizontal (strategy vs. execution) * Why 90% of strategies fail and what great companies do differently * How resilience and adaptability separate good organizations from great ones * Lessons from Hari Budha Magar's Everest climb on leadership and perseverance Resources Mentioned * Visit Lance Mortlock's website: https://www.lancemortlock.com [https://www.lancemortlock.com/] * Follow Lance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lance-mortlock-01b36b22/ * Lance's first book Disaster Proof: https://amzn.to/4qDroV0 * Lance's most recent book Outside In, Inside Out: https://amzn.to/47rsXOm * James Barrat's Our Final Invention: https://amzn.to/43UqMk0 * Nick Bostrom's Superintelligence: https://amzn.to/4osxsOA * Max Tegmark's Life 3.0: https://amzn.to/3WIThNJ * Double amputee Hari Magar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Budha_Magar For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Mitch Joel — entrepreneur, author of Six Pixels of Separation and CTRL ALT Delete, and host of the podcasts Thinking with Mitch Joel and Groove: The No Treble Podcast. Mitch shares his perspective on entrepreneurship, creativity, and why "success is the anomaly." They explore how Thinkers One is democratizing access to thought leadership, why change—not stasis—is the natural state of business and culture, and how our relationship with technology and media shapes what it means to be "social." Mitch also reflects on his decades-long journey across marketing, music, and digital innovation — and how curiosity, humility, and a willingness to "show your work" are essential to staying relevant in a world that never stops shifting. Topics Explored: * The myth of the "entrepreneurial mindset" and why success can't be replicated * Why Thinkers One exists and how it redefines access to expert thinking * Escaping stasis: how to stay curious and open to change * The balance between longform depth and shortform accessibility * The philosophy behind Thinking with Mitch Joel and the art of asking better questions * What creativity and bass playing have in common * How to rethink "social" in an age of constant screens Links: * Mitch Joel's website: https://www.mitchjoel.com [https://www.mitchjoel.com/] * Thinking with Mitch Joel podcast: https://thinkersone.com/blogs/six-pixels-of-separation-podcast * Groove: The No Treble Podcast: https://www.notreble.com/podcast/ * Thinkers One: https://thinkersone.com [https://thinkersone.com/] * Mitch's Six Pixels of Separation: https://amzn.to/4qDUJyx * Mitch's Ctrl Alt Delete: https://amzn.to/436zVWC * Susan Orlean on writing: https://www.susanorlean.com [https://www.susanorlean.com/] * Empathy and fiction study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3559433/ * Patrick Tanguay: https://pkty.ca [https://pkty.ca/] * Tom Webster's The Audience Listening: https://amzn.to/4qvmJ7w * Colman Swisher's appearance on From There to Here: https://boldrfutures.com/from-there-to-here-podcast-featuring-colman-swisher/ * Jess Villegas' The Leader's Commute: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leaders-commute-podcast/id1712720351 For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Rory O'Neill—emergency physician, coach, and creator of the Coach Rory Soccer YouTube channel (with more than 50,000 subscribers). Rory blends the discipline of medicine with the craft of player development, offering a rare dual perspective on learning, leadership, and what's broken in U.S. youth soccer. They discuss how early habits from baseball shaped Rory's approach to medicine and coaching, why building from the back isn't just a tactic but a philosophy of learning, and how systemic incentives—money, structure, and culture—are distorting development in the U.S. game. From the economics of clubs to the myths of burnout and multi-sport participation, Rory unpacks what he calls "the matrix" of American soccer and why true progress may depend less on talent than on how—and why—we teach. Topics Explored * How baseball and discipline shaped Rory's medical and coaching philosophies * Why player development in the U.S. is structurally misaligned * The hidden incentives driving youth clubs and closed-league systems * What "promotion and relegation" actually mean for development * Objective vs. subjective measures of progress in coaching * The myth of burnout and the debate over single-sport specialization * How cultural context (Argentina, Iceland, England) changes the meaning of "fun" and "work" in youth sports * What it really means to "wake up and see the matrix" of American soccer Links * Rory O'Neill's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachRorySoccer * Rory's club Keystone FC: https://www.keystonefc.com [https://www.keystonefc.com/] * Rory's corners video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EWg8v6PUp8 * Rory's 3Four3 podcast appearances: https://343coaching.com/podcast/soccer-by-3four3/ep-344-rory-oneill-how-to-discern-well-coached-teams-from-the-rest/ & https://343coaching.com/podcast/soccer-by-3four3/ep-367-us-coaching-licenses-another-credentialism-scam-or-education/ * How UEFA is funded: https://www.uefa.com/running-competitions/financial-distribution/our-business-model/ * Rory's video "The Do's and Don'ts of Soccer Parenting": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLRkOW-v-ck For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Jeff Meredith, Associate Creative Director at RKD Group and longtime writer for rescue missions across the U.S. Over the past two decades, Jeff has interviewed more than a thousand people who've experienced homelessness, addiction, and recovery—gaining rare insight into what drives collapse and what makes renewal possible. Jeff shares what he's learned from the front lines of homelessness: how family breakdown, trauma, and addiction often intersect; why accountability and forgiveness are essential to recovery; and what the most successful rescue missions do differently. This is a grounded, compassionate look at the human stories behind one of America's most complex social challenges. Topics Explored * The changing face of homelessness—and why women are now the fastest-growing group * What drives addiction and how recovery really works * How childhood trauma and family breakdown shape adult outcomes * The interplay of mental illness, accountability, and hope * Why recovery requires both compassion and structure * How faith-based missions rebuild lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually Links * Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-meredith-ab97b34/ * Episode with Andy Bales: https://unfoldingthought.com/20-andy-bales-from-poverty-to-purpose/ * The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease: https://amzn.to/4nl7MTa * $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America: https://amzn.to/46yZPEk For more episodes: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Bob Hoffman — author of Adscam and The Ad Contrarian — about the uncomfortable truths at the heart of digital advertising. Bob explains how adtech evolved into one of the largest surveillance systems ever built, why marketers mistake data quantity for quality, and how political deregulation is quietly eroding online privacy. They unpack the illusion of precision in behavioral targeting, the billions lost to fraud and waste, and why empathy and ethics—not algorithms—may be the only path to rebuilding trust between brands and the public. Topics Explored * How real-time bidding turns personal data into a global broadcast * Why the online ad economy rewards fraud more than performance * The quiet rollback of digital-privacy protections in the U.S. * How measurement and "attribution" distort both marketing and democracy * What Arielle Garcia's revelations say about Google's control of ad trade groups * Why marketers keep believing in bad numbers * What honest advertising might look like in a post-surveillance world Links * Bob's website – https://www.bobhoffmanswebsite.com [https://www.bobhoffmanswebsite.com/] * Irish Council for Civil Liberties report on real-time bidding – https://www.iccl.ie/news/iccl-report-on-the-scale-of-real-time-bidding-data-broadcasts-in-the-u-s-and-europe/ * Arielle Garcia article – https://www.mi-3.com.au/18-06-2024/ex-um-privacy-chief-lifts-lid-google-has-captured-trade-associations-and-holdcos * Pentagon Pizza Twitter story – https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/16/pentagon-pizza-account-israel-iran-attack/84229144007/ * Don McMillan video, How Marketers Twist Statistics – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbOpD2b55s4 For more episodes, visit unfoldingthought.com [http://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Martin Bihl — writer, strategist, podcaster, and self-described "recovering ad man." Known for his sharp wit and reflective takes on marketing, media, and the human condition, Martin challenges conventional thinking about creativity, capitalism, and the culture of business. The conversation explores how advertising both reflects and shapes our shared values — from branded playgrounds to the myth of the "creative genius." Martin shares his experience navigating agency life, why he created The Agency Review to critique the industry from within, and how his contrarian curiosity fuels his writing and podcast You're On Mute. Together, they discuss the interplay between thinking and doing, why "strategy" has become theater, and what we might learn by viewing business less as a machine and more as a story — one that tells us who we are and what we believe. Topics Explored * Why marketing isn't just persuasion — it's identity construction * How capitalism commodifies attention, meaning, and play * The myth of the "creative" and the illusion of originality * Why the line between art, commerce, and morality keeps blurring * The difference between thinking strategically and theatrically * How irony and sincerity coexist in modern branding * The role of critique — and why we need more of it inside the industry Links * Connect with Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbihl/ * Visit Martin's website: https://www.martinbihl.com [https://www.martinbihl.com/] * The Agency Review: https://the-agency-review.com [https://the-agency-review.com/] * Martin's article on thinking and doing: https://www.martinbihl.com/business-thinking/i-think-i-can-alternative-business-strategy * McDonald's milkshake story by Clayton Christensen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXYm-CVzPQ0 * You're On Mute podcast: https://www.martinbihl.com/youreonmutethepodcast For More Episodes Visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Neen James—leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Attention Pays and the soon-to-be-released Exceptional Experiences. Known for her "sassy Aussie energy" and straight-talk frameworks, Neen challenges traditional ideas of luxury, arguing that it's not about money or things but about moments of human connection. She explains the research behind the four luxury mindsets, why empathy and conscientiousness matter for leadership, and how small, repeatable acts of attention can create what she calls "champagne moments." From systemizing thoughtfulness in everyday life to thinking like a concierge instead of a bellhop, Neen reveals practical ways to elevate both client experiences and team culture. Topics Explored: * Why luxury is less about expense and more about experience * The four luxury mindsets and how they shape behavior * How empathy and attention underpin exceptional experiences * The role of conscientiousness and systemized thoughtfulness * Scaling luxury: making exceptional experiences profitable and practical * Creating "champagne moments" in daily leadership and life Links: * Pre-order Neen's book Exceptional Experiences: https://neenjames.com/books/ * Get Neen's first book Folding Time for free: https://neenjames.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Book-Folding-Time-NeenJames.pdf * Find all of Neen's research and resources about luxury mindsets: https://luxuryisamindset.com [https://luxuryisamindset.com/] * The Business Meditations Neen mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-WyDzPVJzUqWSGGIM0lSxqk4T-TBmsrQ * The discussion with Alan Fine: https://unfoldingthought.com/28-alan-fine-exploring-the-inner-game-to-grow/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Tara Hamberger, founder and CEO of RootedCare+, about her mission to provide 24/7, text-based support to unpaid family caregivers. Tara shares the personal caregiving experiences that led her to launch RootedCare+, why she chose SMS over apps, and how Roo, their compassionate AI assistant, delivers emotional support, resource guidance, and even microgrants. She explains the challenges of designing AI for empathy, the importance of accessibility in tech for caregivers, and how RootedCare+'s funding model directly fuels aid for those who need it most. Topics Explored: * How personal caregiving challenges shaped the creation of RootedCare+ * Designing emotionally intelligent AI that can respond in real time * Why SMS can be the most accessible tech for overstretched caregivers * The role of microgrants in preventing burnout and sustaining care * Building a social enterprise that reinvests in the community it serves Links: * Connect with Tara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraliana/ * Learn more about RootedCare+: https://rootedcare.plus [https://rootedcare.plus/] * Study on poverty impeding cognitive function: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1238041 * Check out the discussion with Juli Rush about grief and the death of the future: https://unfoldingthought.com/21-juli-rush-foresight-grief-and-the-courage-to-let-futures-end/ Have a recommendation? A question? Contact Eric: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Rob Gallaher about the profit sharing system he built after starting and scaling multiple businesses. Rob walks through his early missteps with quarterly bonuses, why behavior did not change, and the simple changes that did move the needle: monthly payouts, a meaningful minimum threshold, and consistent communication that teaches people how daily decisions affect profit. He explains how to align owners and teams, what to show the team, and how profit sharing can free an owner to step back without the business slipping. Topics Explored: * Why traditional bonuses fail to change behavior * The three pillars that make profit sharing work: a regular cadence, a real-dollar threshold, and strategic communication * Showing the team job profit percentages and using that data to learn and improve together * Turning "clock punchers" into profit-minded decision makers * Implementing in months instead of years and avoiding common mistakes * How the right system lets owners step away without chaos Links: * Rob Gallaher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgallaher/ * Rob Gallaher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertgallaher/ * Rob's website: https://profitx.co [https://profitx.co/] * Gallaher Company: http://gallaherco.com [http://gallaherco.com/] * Rob's book: Profit Sharing: The Power of Shared Success https://amzn.to/47wVbHL * Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: https://amzn.to/3IoQlCj * Study on ready fiction influencing empathy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3559433/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Questions or guest ideas: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Colman Swisher, former CIO of an international healthcare logistics company, about his unexpected journey from being the first technology hire to leading a fight against private equity–driven decisions. Colman shares how he built critical systems from the ground up—transforming operations that once ran on little more than email into a fully integrated, data-driven logistics network. He explains what it's like to navigate the high-stakes world of medical supply chain, why private equity ownership can create systemic risk, and how values-based leadership can hold the line against purely financial motives. Topics Explored: * Building tech infrastructure in a mission-critical industry from scratch * The unique pressures of transporting life-saving medical products * How private equity can undermine operational stability * Strategies for resisting short-termism while protecting customers and teams * Lessons in leadership from scaling a high-stakes logistics business Links: * Connect with Colman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colman-swisher/ * Check out Colman's business Boldr Futures: https://boldrfutures.com [https://boldrfutures.com/] * Listen to the conversation with Colman's business partner Jeremy Nulik: https://unfoldingthought.com/jeremy-nulik-how-vision-shapes-strategy/ * Check out Value Builder: https://valuebuilder.com [https://valuebuilder.com/] Have a recommendation? A question? Contact Eric: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Shawn Kemp, a product leader, startup advisor, and artist whose journey spans the worlds of technology, entrepreneurship, and creative expression. From his early days at Microsoft working on Xbox and Silverlight, to co-founding mission-driven companies and engaging deeply with food systems and transparency, Shawn brings a rare blend of systems thinking and emotional insight. Shawn opens up about the impact of early trauma, the pursuit of success, and the ways he's learned to prioritize meaning and presence over prestige. He shares his current focus on creativity—not as a career pivot, but as an honest way to process and express the messiness of life. Topics Explored: * Reconciling Past and Present: How early experiences shape identity * Creativity as Meaning-Making: Art as a tool, not just an output * Food Systems and Transparency * Letting Go of Performative Success and Pursuing Fulfillment Links: * Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnkemp/ * Shawn's art: https://shawnkemp.art [https://shawnkemp.art/] * The Non-GMO Project: https://www.nongmoproject.org [https://www.nongmoproject.org/] * The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: https://amzn.to/45XbkW8 * Educated by Tara Westover: https://amzn.to/4e9aOqj * J Allard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jallard529/ * Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshmigopalkrishnan/ * Bext360: https://www.bext360.com/ * Clarence Birdseye: https://amzn.to/3TsCg8O * No More Gold Stars: https://amzn.to/3TsNJ8k For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Bob Knorpp, consultant, speaker, and longtime host of The Beancast, one of the earliest and longest-running marketing podcasts. Bob brings a sharp perspective on how podcasting, advertising, and marketing have evolved over the last two decades—and what hasn't changed. Bob shares his journey from agency life to running a consultancy and hosting a podcast that has endured since 2008. He explains why format and consistency matter more than chasing trends, why authenticity always beats adtech gimmicks, and why we should think differently about metrics—shifting from scale to influence, from quick wins to long-term impact. We also explore mental models behind podcasting and marketing: why executives misunderstand podcasts as a "numbers game," how creators can navigate between art and business, and what it really means to build an audience today. Topics Explored: * Bob's journey from agency CEO to podcast host and consultant * Why The Beancast has endured with minimal format changes since 2008 * The tension between scale, influence, and long-term success in podcasting * Why authentic host-read ads outperform pixel-driven dynamic ads * The trap of executives demanding short-term ROI from long-form mediums * How audience commitment differs between podcasts and social media * Mental models: how marketers and business leaders frame (and often misframe) the value of podcasts Links: * Visit Bob's website: https://www.thebeancast.com [https://www.thebeancast.com/] * Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knorpp/

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum is joined by Courtney McAra, founder of Mustang MarTech, to explore the art and science of marketing operations. Courtney shares her journey from a startup generalist to a highly specialized marketing ops consultant who's helped teams at places like SurveyMonkey and Marketo bring order to chaos. She breaks down the critical components of a functioning marketing operations infrastructure—from clean folder structures and naming conventions to lifecycle management, compliance, and campaign execution. Courtney also discusses the real-world challenges teams face when scaling their MarTech stacks and offers practical advice for avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're deep in the weeds of a Marketo instance or trying to align marketing with sales and product, this episode is full of useful, actionable insights. Topics Explored: * Courtney's Journey: From lean startup teams to SurveyMonkey and Mustang MarTech * What Marketing Ops Really Is—and Why It Matters * Taming Wild Databases: Clean architecture, folder structure, and segmentation * Lifecycle Strategy: Lead scoring, prioritization, and CRM integration * The Mustang Methodology: Cloneable, scalable, and measurable frameworks * Why Good Ops is Invisible but Critical * The Human Side of MOps: Communication, trust, and long-term collaboration * MarTech in 2025: Trends, AI tools, and the expanding MOps ecosystem Links: * Courtney's Company – https://www.mustangmartech.com [https://www.mustangmartech.com/] * Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneymcara/ * Scott Brinker's MarTech Landscape – https://chiefmartec.com/2025/05/2025-marketing-technology-landscape-supergraphic-100x-growth-since-2011-but-now-with-ai/ * MOps-Apalooza – https://mopsapalooza.com [https://mopsapalooza.com/] For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Michael Whitmer, Vice President at Look East and a longtime strategist in the food and agriculture space. Michael has spent more than two decades helping food brands and commodity organizations communicate clearly, build credibility, and connect with consumers on what matters most. They discuss how food intersects with identity, why consumer trust in institutions has eroded, and how organizations can communicate values—not just facts—to earn that trust back. Michael shares lessons from his work with the Illinois Soybean Association, The Center for Food Integrity, and other organizations shaping the future of food production and sustainability. Topics Explored: * Building Consumer Trust in the Food System * Why Facts Alone Aren't Enough: The Power of Shared Values in Communication * Lessons from Agricultural Commodity Marketing and Checkoff Programs * Transparency, Traceability, and the Role of Narrative in Food Branding * How Food Connects to Identity, Emotion, and Belief * Trust, Misinformation, and the Importance of Dialogue * The Future of Food Integrity and Responsible Communication Links: * Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelawhitmer/ * Michael's company Look East: https://lookeast.com [https://lookeast.com/] * The Center for Food Integrity: https://foodintegrity.org [https://foodintegrity.org/] * Related episode with lan Fine on the GROW: https://unfoldingthought.com/28-alan-fine-exploring-the-inner-game-to-grow/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum sits down with Gini Dietrich, founder of Spin Sucks and creator of the PESO Model©—a strategic framework for aligning paid, earned, shared, and owned media to build reputation and deliver business results. Gini shares lessons from her work advising brands, training communicators, and building a thriving media and education company. She explains how trust is built and broken in communications, what it takes to sustain content over time, and why PR needs a seat at the executive table. We also talk about the mindset behind showing up publicly and consistently, even when it's hard or slow. Gini's insights are practical and refreshingly grounded. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone responsible for messaging, marketing, or media strategy. Topics Explored: * What is the PESO Model—and how does it create business results? * Why communicators must learn to speak the language of the C-suite * The long-game of building thought leadership and trust * The Spin Sucks origin story and lessons from building community * Challenges and opportunities in earned media today * How to know what's actually working in communications * Balancing transparency, authority, and discipline in public content Links: * Gini Dietrich, Spin Sucks, and the PESO Model: https://spinsucks.com [https://spinsucks.com/] For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum speaks with Peter Kelly-Detwiler, an expert in global energy markets and sustainability. Peter discusses the dynamic interplay between technology, economics, and policy shaping the energy sector today and into the future. Peter addresses critical issues like the complexities of integrating renewable energy sources, the role of AI and advanced software in optimizing grid efficiency, and the geopolitical forces impacting energy markets. He also shares insights into cutting-edge developments such as modular nuclear power, advanced geothermal technology, and innovative storage solutions. Topics Explored: * The Evolution of Global Energy Markets * Sustainability and Energy: Defining Practical Solutions * The Role of Technological Innovation in Energy Transformation * AI and Advanced Software Applications in Energy Grid Management * Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy Integration * Geopolitical Impacts on Energy Markets and Infrastructure * Emerging Technologies: Modular Nuclear, Geothermal, and Advanced Batteries * Strategies for Future Energy Resilience and Adaptability Links: * Visit Peter's website: http://peterkellydetwiler.com [http://peterkellydetwiler.com/] * Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkellydetwiler/ * Peter's talk on forecasting challenges in energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dveBB-xXs0 * IPCC reports on climate and energy: https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this solo episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum explores the decline of album sales in light of Rick Beato's recent video on the best-selling albums of the 21st century. Rather than attributing the change solely to streaming or market fragmentation, Eric frames the issue through the Pace Layers model—offering a more nuanced explanation for why physical albums have faded and why that doesn't mean music is in decline. He walks through the origins of the album format, how it became embedded in our culture, and why innovations like streaming reshape not just delivery methods but how we define and experience music itself. This reflection goes beyond nostalgia to reveal what truly happens when old standards fade and new systems emerge. Topics Explored: * Why we'll never again see albums sell like Adele's 25 or Linkin Park's Meteora * The problem with comparing physical album sales to digital streams * What Rick Beato gets right—and misses—about the music industry's evolution * The Pace Layers model and how it explains slow vs. fast change in culture * How streaming disrupted not just formats, but the cultural foundations of music * Why losing a familiar standard doesn't always mean losing something meaningful Links: * Rick Beato's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lel_J1-zxmU * For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum is joined by Ian Mai, an ADHD and impulse-control coach dedicated to helping people understand and transform their impulsive behaviors into strengths. Ian shares his deeply personal journey—from confronting internet addiction and infidelity to achieving meaningful and sustainable recovery through ADHD awareness and inner strength training. Ian outlines the psychological foundations of impulsive behavior, describing how emotional disregulation, dopamine-seeking, and conditioned responses play crucial roles. He provides practical strategies for building emotional resilience and impulse control, emphasizing mindfulness, intentional discomfort, and honest self-reflection. This conversation goes beyond ADHD to explore how impulsive behaviors affect relationships, career success, and self-worth. Ian's passion and clarity around these topics offer valuable guidance for anyone facing similar challenges or looking to understand those who do. Topics Explored: * Ian's Personal Journey: From addiction and impulsivity to awareness and coaching * Understanding ADHD and Impulsive Behavior: Emotional regulation, dopamine, and conditioned responses * Practical Strategies for Managing ADHD and Impulse Control * Relationship Dynamics: How impulsivity impacts marriage and family life * Transforming Shame into Inner Strength * Cultivating Mindfulness and Intentional Discomfort to Build Resilience * The Importance of Being Comfortable with Misunderstanding and Authentic Self-Expression Links: * Ian's Company: https://www.ianmai.co [https://www.ianmai.co/] * Connect with Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mai-inner-strength/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum talks with Ryan Scott, Head of Product at DNA Behavior, a company focused on delivering precise behavioral analytics using AI and machine learning. Ryan outlines his career growth from finance intern to AI innovator, highlighting how behavioral insights can dramatically improve business outcomes. Ryan discusses the innovative ways DNA Behavior utilizes AI—from predicting communication styles and job titles based on minimal data, to automating client interactions through advanced chatbots. We delve into practical applications of AI for businesses of all sizes, the challenges of integrating AI into existing workflows, and how AI is reshaping organizational structures and personal roles. This episode offers invaluable perspectives on the power and potential of AI-driven insights to enhance customer relations, streamline operations, and future-proof businesses. Topics Explored: * Ryan's Path: From finance student to Head of Product at DNA Behavior * AI and Behavioral Analytics: How DNA Behavior is leveraging big data * Practical AI Applications: Enhancing client relationships and communication strategies * Automation and Efficiency: Tools and tactics for integrating AI into business processes * Predictive Modeling and Machine Learning: Advanced techniques for business insights * Challenges and Best Practices in AI Integration * The Future of Work: AI's impact on organizational structures and personal roles Links: * DNA Behavior: https://dnabehavior.com/start * Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwadescott/ * Microsoft AI Training: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/courses/ai-900t00 * Sanebox: https://www.sanebox.com [https://www.sanebox.com/] * n8n Workflow Automation: https://n8n.io [https://n8n.io/] * Wonderchat AI Management: https://wonderchat.io [https://wonderchat.io/] * Episode 31 with Hugh Massie: https://unfoldingthought.com/31-hugh-massie-reaching-1-billion-annually-with-behavioral-insights/ For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com [https://unfoldingthought.com/] Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com