The Unbuzzed Podcast

Subconscious. The word we all use…but do we really know what it means?On this episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, I sat down with hypnotherapist Janna to decode one of the most powerful and misunderstood buzzwords in the self-help space: the subconscious.We talked about:Why the human mind remains more powerful than any algorithmBut how our subconscious can cling to outdated patterns that no longer serve usThe difference between survival mode and thriving (hint: it's not more productivity)And what happens when healing stops being your side hustle and starts being your jobJanna’s story, from award-winning photo editor at National Geographic to transformational hypnotherapist, is a masterclass in what it means to pivot with purpose. As someone who's changed jobs (and entire careers), I found it deeply inspiring. And I know so many others out there are in that same in-between: where the passion project is quietly hoping to become the main thing.🔁 Whether you're trying to quit smoking (like I did, 15 years ago through one hypnosis session), break a pattern, or just understand why your brain won’t get out of its own way… this one’s for you.Because “just think positive” doesn’t work if your subconscious is still stuck in 1997.🛋️ Bring your inner critic. We’ve got a mic for them too.🎧 Listen wherever you get your pods or check us out here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com✨ Want to work with Janna? Find her at https://go.jannagaylehypnosis.com/hypnotherapy-los-angeles/ —she’s the real deal.#TheUnbuzzedPodcast #Subconscious #Hypnotherapy #MentalHealth #HealingWork #WorkplaceWellness #PodcastDrop #HRmeetsHealing #LeadershipAndSelf #Neuroplasticity #TraumaInformed

🔗 Unbuzzing Communications, Part Two: M-Dashes, AI, and the Career CurveballPrompt Engineering as the New CopywritingThere are few things rarer than a second date in podcast land, but when the first one leaves you nodding, laughing, and rethinking how leadership show up in internal comms, a round two becomes inevitable.Roberto showed up as he always does: sharp, human, and refreshingly unafraid of nuance. We talked about AI not with fear, but with fluency. Where some clutch pearls, Roberto treats it like what it is: a powerful co-pilot. Not a ghostwriter. Not a plagiarist. This episode gave me a surprising sense of peace because those of us who care about communication, the kind that builds trust, not just traffic; still have an edge. It’s called discernment. The Case of the Conference DeckOne of my favorite rants came when we touched on conferences. You know the drill: when you’re employed at Big Name Inc., your inbox is overflowing with speaker requests. The moment you’re not? Radio silence. Here’s a wild idea for conference organizers: maybe start inviting people after they’ve left the mothership. Not to burn it down, but to speak honestly. That’s the kind of talk that leaves your audience with more than a tote bag and some free almonds.And We Touched on So Many More Topics…From personal branding to portfolio careers, we explored how the lines between professional identity and personal voice are blurring fast. We also talked about the rise of the gig shift; how layoffs, AI, and the erosion of “job security” are nudging even the most loyal corporate lifers to rethink what work should look like. 🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.comAnd if you’re ready to sharpen your message and bring more clarity to your communication, Roberto’s your person:munozcommunications.com#TheUnbuzzedPodcast #RobertoMunoz #Communication #Trust #Clarity #Podcast #MentalHealth

Unbuzzing Burnout: What Caitlin Taught Me About Listening to My BodySome people save your life in dramatic ways. Caitlin saved mine with a handful of needles and the gift of listening.We met years ago in Prague, after a neck spasm left me doped up on morphine and desperate for help. At 3 a.m., I found her website and sent a frantic email. Caitlin cleared her schedule, took one look at me, and did something no one else had — she taught me to listen to my body.Since then, that lesson has reshaped everything: from how I shop for groceries to how I recognize real exhaustion versus just being “busy.”That’s why I asked Caitlin to join me on The Unbuzzed Podcast — to unbuzz one of the most misunderstood words in today’s workplace: burnout.Because burnout isn’t just a vibe or an excuse. It’s real, measurable, and physical. Caitlin explained how chronic stress literally shrinks parts of the brain, and how certain acupuncture points can help repair that damage. Burnout doesn’t get taken seriously because it doesn’t have a complicated Latin name yet — but ignoring it doesn’t make it less real.She also introduced me to an idea that made my skin crawl: a resentment journal.The goal isn’t to wallow — it’s to track where your body says “no” while your mouth says “yes.” It’s about listening harder, noticing sooner, and honoring the places where your energy leaks out.In short: Caitlin helped me learn the most important language of my life — listening to myself.This episode is a thank you for that, and an invitation to anyone else who’s ready to start listening, too.🎧Listen to wherever you get your pods or check us out here: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com#Burnout #MentalHealthAtWork #ListenToYourBody #WorkplaceWellbeing #UnbuzzedPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #EmployeeWellness #SelfAwareness

🎙️ Episode 21 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: #Language with Drew ‘Dox’ Brown 🔗 From Sky to Chair: The Language That Binds UsIn this episode, I sat down with the remarkable Dox Brown, and what unfolded was a deep dive into the powerful truth that language is much more than words; it's the bridge that connects us across the vast expanse of human experience. Dox eloquently shared that “language is a tool that we use to widen our lens about how reality works,” and in that moment, I saw language differently; as a unifying force capable of transforming our understanding and forging genuine connections.What’s truly extraordinary is that this incredible tool is available to all of us for free, yet its significance is often underestimated. We point to a sky, a chair, a person, each time, sharing a universal understanding. This simple act underscores language’s vital role in building bridges among us. Dox’s passionate perspective on this made me appreciate language’s magic; its ability to bring us closer and make the abstract tangible.One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was Dox’s relentless curiosity and dedication to lifelong learning. We explored everything from participatory budgeting in schools to the nuances of AI and Large Language Models. He’s shaping what he calls a “Pedagogy of Presence;" a way to evaluate and engage students in a rapidly evolving educational landscape where traditional metrics are being challenged. Each topic he delves into reminds me: knowledge isn’t finite; it’s an endless voyage, unfolding with each question asked and answer explored.We also unpacked the concept of “fidelity,” a term I realized I rarely use, yet one that resonated profoundly. Dox’s insights shed new light on fidelity; not just as an ethical principle in AI and writing, but as a guiding value in our lives. It’s about remaining faithful; to our commitments, our truth, and the integrity of our experiences.🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or check us out at www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com.#LanguageMatters #Authenticity #AI #Unity #Curiosity #ContinuousLearning #ParticipatoryEngagement #TheUnbuzzedPodcast #Buzzwords #UnbuzzingTheNoise

What if your mind could be mapped—not by personality tests or vague traits, but by how you respond to something as specific as fries or a car ad? In this episode, we welcome back legendary scientist Howard Moskowitz and first-time guest Tim Morford—a high school grad turned AI innovator, mayor, and builder of tools that can quite literally save lives.Together, they introduce a mindset-typing AI that doesn’t just categorize people—it understands how they want to be spoken to. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, picking a liquor brand, or designing better care for dementia patients, this tool finds the exact words to say—and what not to.We explore how this approach is already reducing hospital readmission rates, changing customer experience at Jiffy Lube, and powering wearable tech for first responders. It’s not about vague data or manipulative marketing—it’s about conscious, consent-based communication at the most human level.We also unpack the ethics: What happens when AI can read your unconscious patterns? What do we protect, and what do we reveal?And yes—Tim is managing six AI projects, designing holograms for Hollywood, and has a theory on how to cure cancer.🎧 Tune in for an episode that redefines mindset—from a fluffy buzzword to a powerful, predictive science. Listen to wherever you get your pods or check us out here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com#Mindset #UnbuzzedPodcast #AIInnovation #EmpathyTech #CustomerExperience #MentalHealthTech #Neuroscience #DataEthics #FirstPrinciples #HumanCenteredAI #CommunicationMatters

This one hit close to home. In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Susan Miraftabi, and we crack open that familiar, messy topic: having a seat at the table. Susan doesn’t just talk theory — she’s lived it, across startups and global giants, sometimes pulled in, sometimes pushed out, but always showing up with her sleeves rolled.

Episode 18 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: #Communications (Comms) with Roberto Munoz 🔗 Conversations That LandThere’s an art to saying what you mean — and having it actually reach people. In this episode, I get to sit down with Roberto Munoz, a person who doesn’t just understand that art, he lives it. Roberto leads with heart, not noise, and helps organizations speak in a way that feels true on the inside and lands on the outside.We first met at Fresh & Easy, where I watched him thread honesty and clarity through every message he crafted. Having been on the other side of the table in HR, I know how hard it is to speak to an entire company, especially to people you’ll never meet. It’s not just writing memos — it’s holding the weight of trust in every word. Roberto has this rare ability to make even the toughest messages feel like they belong in the room.🌊 Clearing the ClutterIn this conversation, Roberto pulls apart the clutter that clouds so much of our daily communication. He shares how the way we speak — the words we choose, the clarity we offer — reflects the very soul of an organization. He also gets real about the shortcuts we’re all tempted to take, and how easy it is to drift into comfort-speak instead of reaching for honesty.If you’ve ever wondered how to cut through the noise and create real connection with your words, this one’s for you.🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.comAnd if you’re ready to sharpen your message and bring more clarity to your communication, Roberto’s your person:munozcommunications.com#UnbuzzedPodcast #RobertoMunoz #Communication #Trust #Clarity #Podcast #MentalHealth

In this episode, we delve into the nuanced world of dissent with our thoughtful guest, Hannah. With her experience supporting C-suite executives, she sheds light on the importance of pausing to reassess our approaches, especially in the hustle and bustle of high-pressure environments.🔍 Why You Should Tune InI learned a great deal from Hannah during our time working together. I often found myself swinging between moments of desire on my tougher days and a focused drive on my better ones. Hannah’s gentle inquiries had a remarkable way of grounding me in the present, encouraging me to pause and reflect before rushing into action. Her subtle form of dissent, expressed through curiosity, wove into our conversations so seamlessly that I frequently overlooked the significant impact it had on my thought process.Hannah possesses a remarkable talent for fostering curiosity rather than simply issuing commands. She has a way of inviting you into the moment, encouraging you to reflect on your strategies and decisions with grace. Unlike many Executive Assistants who might merely echo the directives of their leaders, Hannah serves as a true coach and translator, transforming her role into one of genuine partnership.During our conversation, she shares her personal journey—a courageous stand against the societal expectation that the EA position is merely a stepping stone to loftier roles. Hannah discovered fulfillment and purpose in her current position, choosing to embrace her role instead of succumbing to pressure to advance.Her insights challenge societal norms and underscore the critical importance of prioritizing happiness in our careers. Hannah’s hands-on experiences in the executive world empower her to lead important conversations, and I have personally learned so much from her thoughtful techniques.✨ Key TakeawaysHarnessing dissent as a catalyst for growth and understandingThe delicate balance between urgency and reflection in decision-makingThe art of expressing dissent through questions and sincere curiosityFinding empowerment in the EA role while challenging conventional career pathwaysThroughout our rich conversation, Hannah reveals how her journey in the EA space has shaped her unique approach to dissent—a skill that can undoubtedly benefit all leaders and team members alike.🎙️ Listen to this episode wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or visit us at www.theunbuzzedpodcast.comWe explored Hannah's passion for all things pottery, delving into her creative journey and the joy she finds in this art form —discover her creative journey here: https://www.instagram.com/akora_pottery/#dissent #theunbuzzedpodcast #corporatejargon #executiveassistant #translator #work #communications #buzzwords

🎙️ Episode 16 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: “Executive” — The Word That Wears Too Many HatsFeaturing Conrad Goldstein, Executive Search Expert, Entrepreneur & Realist-in-ResidenceThe word “executive” carries weight. Or at least it thinks it does.Depending on the room you’re in, it can signal prestige, responsibility, or simply a better parking spot. Lately, we’ve heard it tossed around with the enthusiasm of a tennis ball at a Labrador convention—everyone is expected to have “executive presence,” even frontline staff asking for a well-earned promotion.So in Episode 16 of The Unbuzzed Podcast, we decided to unbuzz this word with someone who actually lives and breathes it—Conrad Goldstein.💼 Who’s in the Executive Club, Really?Conrad runs an executive search firm and spends his days finding executives for, well, executive roles. That makes him particularly qualified to answer questions like:— Where does the word “executive” start and end on an org chart?— Can you be an executive without the title?— And what’s the return policy on “executive presence”?🧠 A Mind for Business, A Heart for StorytellingConrad is the rare type who can explain market dynamics, global search structures, and career pivots with the ease of a Taekwondo champion (which he also happens to be—no big deal). He shares how he helps companies paint their org chart like a masterpiece, one brushstroke (and candidate shortlist) at a time.⚖️ Titles, Trade-offs, and That Thing Called AccountabilityWe also dig into the disconnect between pay and decision-making at the top. What does it really mean to be held accountable at that level, and what’s the true cost of indecision when you’re getting the biggest paycheck in the room?And full disclosure: as someone who has held executive roles myself, I left this conversation with more than a few lightbulb moments. Turns out, even when you’ve been in the seat, there’s still a lot to learn about how the seat is viewed, filled, and felt.Conrad’s reflections are equal parts insightful and entertaining—and if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at yet another request for “executive communication,” you’ll want to hear this one.▶️ Listen NowAvailable wherever you get your pods or right here:www.theunbuzzedpodcast.comP.S. Chickens don’t become eagles just because someone in the office gave them a fancy title. Let’s stop naming birds and start defining the flight path.Bonus shoutout:  If you're an executive (or aspiring to be one) seeking your next challenge, or a company searching for exceptional leadership, Conrad and his team at Gold & Aron (Goldaron Conseil) are your go-to partners. From global executive placements to career clarity, they specialize in connecting outstanding talent with extraordinary opportunities. #TheUnbuzzedPodcast #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipUnfiltered #HRHumor #CareerGrowth #BuzzwordBreakdown #OrgDesign #ExecutiveSearch #GoldaronConseil

🚀 The Unbuzzed Podcast: Innovation, Disruption & The Language of Business 🎙️💡 What do pasta sauce, Uber, and AI-powered HR tools have in common? If you said absolutely nothing, you haven’t met Howard Moskowitz—a pioneering innovator who transformed how companies understand and predict consumer behavior.👀 How I met Howard…A few years ago, I was on a red-eye flight from Vancouver to New York, moving for a new job just before the pandemic. Unable to sleep and desperate to get comfortable, I turned to Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Somewhere over the Midwest, I hit the part where Gladwell dives into Howard Moskowitz’s groundbreaking work on consumer behavior—how he helped companies rethink everything from pasta sauce to soda by understanding what people truly want, even when they can’t articulate it themselves.I was so captivated that I stopped reading, bought in-flight WiFi, and went down a crash course in Moskowitzian disruption. A few huddled searches later, I was convinced I had to talk to him. On impulse, I sent him a LinkedIn message, never expecting a reply. But Howard did respond. We met in New York. And that was it—I had found a kindred spirit who has since helped me keep the disruptor in me alive and the conformist at bay.So, naturally, I had to have him on The Unbuzzed Podcast to break down a word we both care about (and the world misuses daily): disruption.🛑 Here’s why you need to listen:In this episode, Howard and I go deep on how true innovation happens, why corporate risk-aversion is killing creativity, and how business jargon is making everything worse. 📖 And yes, he literally co-wrote the book on business buzzwords, aptly called Blah Blah Blah.🚨 Key takeaway: The biggest challenge in driving innovation isn’t a lack of ideas—it’s knowing how to ask the right questions🎧 Listen to wherever you get your pods or  join the conversation here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com#TheUnbuzzedPodcast #Innovation #Disruption #HR #ConsumerBehavior #BusinessLanguage #AI #Entrepreneurship

Let’s be honest: ‘coach’ is one of those words that’s been stretched, overused, and misapplied so much that it barely resembles its original form. Like the word artisan—which once meant skilled craftsmanship and now applies to everything from overpriced toast to scented candles—coaching has suffered a similar fate.Enter Chris.Chris is the person who finally helped me uncringe the word coach—a word that, in my 20 years of HR, has come to mean everything from therapist to venting buddy to a person hired to fix underperformance but in a way that doesn’t make anyone feel bad about it. Chris, however, does none of that. Instead, he beautifully articulates what coaching actually is, why it matters, and how it fits into the messy, often misunderstood landscape of professional development.Coaching: What It Is and What It Is NotChris puts it best: coaching isn’t advice, therapy, or an HR coffee chat in disguise. A mentor shares their own war stories; a coach helps you figure out yours. A consultant hands you answers; a coach forces you to dig for them. A therapist unpacks the past; a coach stays laser-focused on the future.And then there are life coaches—a mixed bag of certified pros and self-help enthusiasts. The difference? A real coach brings structure, accountability, and actual frameworks, not just inspiration.As for HR? Sure, we advise, strategize, and support leaders—but that doesn’t make us coaches. Great coaching is structured, intentional development, not just a standing meeting with your HRBP.And then there’s the great confidentiality debate. If a company is paying for a coach, do they have a right to know everything that happens in those sessions? Where’s the line between professional development and personal privacy? Chris has some thoughts.That’s why I’m beyond thrilled to have him on The Unbuzzed Podcast. If you’ve ever been confused about what a coach actually does—or why coaching shouldn’t be a lifelong subscription model—this one’s for you.📢 listen to wherever you get your pods or check us out here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com🎙️ #Coaching #Leadership #HR #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #TheUnbuzzedPodcast #HumanResources #Buzzwords

I am excited to present Episode 13 of The Unbuzzed Podcast, featuring the delightful Jamie Jackson, the self-proclaimed Chief Meme Officer and the clever mind behind the popular accounts Humorous Resources, Millennial Misery, The Chief Meme Officer, and Parody Parenting. With a combined following of over 3 million, Jamie has crafted spaces where professionals can laugh about their corporate escapades, where millennials can indulge in nostalgia, where HR practitioners can escape the absurdity of their roles, and where parents can share in the delightful chaos of parenting.In this engaging dialogue, we unpack the buzzword, one close to my heart,  “Human Resources’ and explore how humor serves as a powerful antidote to the mundane. Jamie shares her journey from a fledgling HR assistant to a creator known for her sharp wit and insightful commentary, all while shedding light on the realities of corporate life.

Last week, I stepped far outside my comfort zone in conversation with Kory—one of the most unapologetic humans I’ve had the good fortune to meet and now call a friend. This week, I did it again, this time with Tatyana, a fellow Gen Xer whose viral Instagram account, @corporategenxmom, hilariously (and painfully accurately) captures the absurdity of workplace culture.Her journey started with an all-too-familiar irony: she was called into an HR meeting for simply agreeing with a LinkedIn post. Instead of retreating, she turned workplace frustration into comedy, creating a space where people could collectively roll their eyes at corporate antics and, for once, feel seen.Our conversation highlighted a reality I hadn’t fully appreciated—how quickly generational perspectives shift in the workplace. The generational divide isn’t just between Boomers and Gen Z; even a six-year gap can mean two colleagues experience and interpret work, culture, and expectations in completely different ways. What seems obvious to one might be baffling to another, leaving even near-peers struggling to “get” each other.This week, Tatyana shares why she’s chosen to stay semi-anonymous, what inspired her to create @corporategenxmom, and her take on what workplaces could look like if we truly wanted them to be better. One thing we both agreed on? Gen X has become the reluctant translator between generations, decoding office culture for those who came before and after us.Follow her. Tatyana's captivating insights on her social media account offer both astute commentary and a refreshing dose of humor, inviting listeners to reflect on and chuckle at the peculiarities of their own professional experiences.

In the latest episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, I had the distinct pleasure of conversing with Kory, a millennial whose boldness and transparency compelled me, a Gen Xer, to confront my preconceived notions about his generation as we unbuzzed the term ‘millennial’. While Kory certainly does not represent all millennials, he provided a revealing glimpse into the unapologetic and daring spirit that distinctly sets them apart from my own, more measured approach to work's challenges.During our lively exchange, we explored the realities of contemporary work life—delving into topics as varied as the straightforward admission of being in it for the money, the fearless job hopping that characterizes this generation, and the all-too-familiar sting of getting fired. As Kory spoke with refreshing candor, I found myself grappling with my biases and assumptions, especially as he challenged the conventions that I have long held dear.The conversation proved difficult for all the right reasons, as I navigated the dissonance between his unvarnished truths and my somewhat antiquated beliefs. The difficulty of our dialogue arose not from disagreement, but rather from the profound realization that we approach the world through decidedly different lenses. It was a delightful dance of ideas, a moment of reflection on how generational differences shape our perspectives. 

Initially, I had hoped to feature him on the Unbuzzed podcast to explore the nuances of legal language and its potential to create swirl amongst employees in workplaces as a buzzword. Nevertheless, as you will hear in this episode, his authentic demeanor, both as an individual and as a leader and professor, guided our conversation away from the mere term "legal" within workplaces to the more profound notion of authenticity, especially what it means to be an ‘authentic’ leader.Matthew’s generous sharing of knowledge, coupled with his vulnerability in storytelling, leaves a lasting impression on all who have the fortune of experiencing it. I take great pride in calling him my friend and mentor.I invite you to listen to Episode 10 of the Unbuzzed podcast, where his compelling insights await to inspire you. Listen wherever you get your pods or check us out herewww.theunbuzzedpodcast.com 

What happens when you examine a buzzword that makes your skin crawl? In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Pallavi Jain to unpack “empowerment,” a term that often leaves me questioning its true essence. As an HR professional, I’ve seen it twisted into something superficial—an empty call to action rather than a profound inward journey. With a playful wager on the table, I challenged Pallavi: I'd hope to cringe less by the end of our 90-minute chat. Spoiler alert: she won! Together, we explore the rich layers of empowerment, spurred by Pallavi’s transformative experiences that remind us to look within for real understanding. Join us as we redefine this often-abused term and discover its genuine power. Listen to wherever you get your pods. Learn more about Pallavi here:  Website: https://www.pallavi-jain.com Linkedin profile: www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-jain-leadfromwithin TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymxrRpsBcA #UnbuzzedPodcast #HRHumor #podcast #buzzwords #HR #HRpodcast #womeninbusiness #femaleentrepreneur #futureofwork #language

In this episode, I’m once again joined by the insightful Mauro Gonçalves Filho, and we dissect the buzzword “strategy” amid the backdrop of frequent reorgs and the rapid onset of AI. As layoffs and shifting structures become the new normal, we examine what it truly means to be strategic in these uncertain times. We'll examine whether organizational reorgs are the result of careful planning or merely reactions to uncomfortable truths. Tune in for insights that will reshape your understanding of how to navigate your career in these changing times.

In this episode, Zayne Imam joins me to unpack the often-maligned term consultant—accused of generating the very buzzwords they’re hired to clarify. With humor and insight, Zayne reveals how good advice turns into jargon and shares his spiritual approach to work, a perspective that challenges how we think about language, purpose, and connection in the workplace. Don’t miss this engaging and thoughtful conversation with someone whose wisdom is anything but buzzworthy.

“Strategy” is the word that launches a thousand eyerolls in meetings—and yet it’s the reason people are passed over for promotions or projects. But what does it really mean to be strategic? In this episode, I’m joined by Mauro Gonçalves Filho, a master of strategy who breaks it down so clearly, we needed two sessions. Mauro’s insights are as sharp as his resume, but what makes him unforgettable is his ability to turn a buzzword into a practical, everyday skill. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s a masterclass in thinking smarter, not harder.

Jonathan Z. Cohen ran 58 miles and did 1,000 pull-ups for charity—but his real superpower is turning self-doubt into action. On this episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, we break down how resilience isn’t about being fearless but about facing fears one step at a time. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about persistence, mindset, and what it takes to keep going when everything in you says stop.