Badass Softie

What if the strongest thing a leader could say isn’t “I was right,” but “I see this differently now”? Dr. JJ Peterson challenges one of leadership’s most persistent myths — that consistency means never changing your mind. Drawing from cognitive psychology, decision science, and a deeply personal story about turning down a book deal after a podcast reached 13 million downloads, JJ explores why rigidity often masquerades as strength. Changing your mind doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It can feel like losing credibility, identity, even belonging. But what if intellectual humility is actually a sign of maturity? What This Explores Why our brains treat belief challenges as personal threats How leaders lose relevance when they cling to outdated messaging The psychology behind why arguments harden positions — but stories soften them What it means to treat your beliefs like hypotheses instead of absolutes How redefining ambition led to the creation of Badass Softie Strong leadership doesn’t require abandoning your values. It requires updating how you apply them when reality shifts. If you’ve ever felt the tension between being consistent and being responsive… If you’ve wrestled with whether evolving makes you look weak… This reflection may resonate. And if someone in your world is stuck defending a belief that no longer fits, consider sharing it with them. Sometimes the most generous thing we can offer is permission to grow.

Leaders carry growing responsibility. Bigger teams. Bigger decisions. Bigger stakes. But growth in responsibility doesn’t automatically mean growth in thinking. Dr. JJ Peterson explores a counterintuitive leadership truth: when leaders stop trying new things, their thinking gets smaller — even as their influence expands. The issue isn’t intelligence. It isn’t experience. It’s rigidity. The brain is designed to change. Novelty builds cognitive flexibility. Exposure to unfamiliar environments interrupts autopilot. Creative hobbies, new skills, and even small disruptions in routine reshape how the brain approaches ambiguity and problem-solving. Trying something new outside of work isn’t indulgent. It’s strategic. Learning stained glass doesn’t make someone a better marketer. Curling doesn’t automatically improve strategy. But putting yourself back into beginner mode rewires how you respond to uncertainty, failure, and complexity — and that changes leadership. Growth doesn’t always look impressive. Sometimes it looks like falling on the ice, laughing, and getting back up again. What You’ll Learn Why leadership fails when thinking becomes rigid How novelty strengthens cognitive flexibility The connection between environment shifts and creative problem-solving Why beginnerhood is a leadership practice, not a weakness Simple ways to disrupt autopilot and expand perspective Leadership requires adaptability, perspective, and the willingness to experiment before certainty arrives. If this resonates, consider sharing it with a leader who may need permission to try something new — not to master it, not to monetize it, but to stay mentally alive. Because ambition and humanity are not opposites. And the most strategic thing a leader can do might be to become a beginner again.  

Before he ever worked with leaders on message and clarity, Dr. J.J. Peterson spent years performing improv comedy — an environment where nothing is scripted, mistakes are guaranteed, and collaboration determines whether a scene survives. What most people misunderstand about improv is that it isn’t chaos. It has rules. And those same rules quietly shape what effective leadership looks like when certainty is low and pressure is high. Drawing from his experience on stage and in leadership rooms, Dr. Peterson explores how leaders can create momentum, protect dignity, and keep people engaged — even when things feel messy, unfinished, or uncertain. What’s Covered Why strong leadership isn’t about control, but attention and trust How “Yes, and” keeps people contributing instead of shutting down Why leaders need a clear point of view — not vague optimism How to handle mistakes without creating fear or humiliation What it means to name reality instead of performing confidence Why leadership works best when leaders stop trying to win the room Most leadership happens without a script. The question isn’t whether things will wobble — it’s how leaders respond when they do. If this resonates, consider sharing it with another badass softie leader — someone ambitious, thoughtful, and deeply human — who’s navigating leadership without a script and trying to do it with heart.

Most people think a story has to be a seismic, life-altering event to matter. Something dramatic. Something obvious. Something big enough to justify being told. But leadership is rarely shaped by moments that announce themselves. In this conversation, Dr. J.J. Peterson talks with storyteller and creativity guide Tricia Rose Burt about why the stories that shape how we lead are often the ones we overlook—and how creativity helps us recognize, shape, and share them. Together, they explore storytelling not as performance or branding, but as a leadership practice: a way of integrating lived experience, building trust, and making meaning in the work we do. This is a conversation for leaders who feel disconnected from their creativity, unsure whether their story “counts,” or curious about how story and imagination strengthen—not soften—leadership. What this explores Why most people underestimate the stories they’re already carrying How storytelling reveals why you lead the way you do The connection between creativity and effective leadership Why showing a story builds credibility faster than telling credentials How recognizing your story opens the door to inspiring others Creativity isn’t a detour from leadership. Storytelling isn’t a nice-to-have. They’re how leaders stay human, flexible, and meaningful—especially when the work gets hard.   To learn more about Tricia Rose Burt and her work, visit triciaroseburt.com.

Work is relational—whether we admit it or not. And yet many leaders are taught that professionalism means distance, separation, and emotional restraint. In this conversation, Dr. J.J. Peterson reflects on what actually happens when trust, friendship, and shared commitment exist inside a working relationship. Joined by longtime collaborator and friend Kristin Spiotto, they explore the tension between closeness and leadership—and why pretending work isn’t personal often creates more harm than clarity. Together, they challenge the myth that personal connection weakens leadership and instead unpack how safety, honesty, and intentional boundaries can lead to stronger teams, better work, and more resilient relationships. What This Explores Why separating personal and professional is often a false choice How trust changes the way feedback, conflict, and decisions land The difference between healthy closeness and blurred power dynamics What it means to be “for each other” without sacrificing excellence How leaders can create safety without making promises they can’t keep If you’ve ever felt torn between protecting your humanity and doing excellent work, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t perfect boundaries—it’s intentional ones that steady relationships instead of shrinking them.

Cynicism often starts as protection. It forms after systems fail, trust erodes, and disappointment stacks up. For many leaders, it feels reasonable—earned, even. But over time, that armor begins to cost more than it protects. Dr. J.J. Peterson reflects on how cynicism quietly reshapes leadership: how it changes tone, limits trust, narrows imagination, and distances us from the very people and possibilities that make leadership meaningful. This is a meditation on disciplined hope—not naïve optimism, not denial—but the courageous choice to remain open, curious, and human when closing off would be easier. What This Explores Why cynicism is often a wound response, not a personality trait The subtle ways cynicism erodes trust, creativity, and psychological safety How “emotional armor” can outlive its usefulness Why hope is a leadership discipline, not a temperament What it looks like to lead with tenderness without becoming brittle This reflection may resonate with leaders who are tired, thoughtful, and still deeply committed—even if they feel more guarded than they used to. If this stirred something for you, consider sharing it with someone who’s been carrying more armor than they’d like to admit.

Some of the most meaningful leadership lessons don’t come from business books, keynote stages, or boardrooms.   Sometimes, they come from places you don’t expect.   In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson shares unexpected leadership insights inspired by a behind-the-scenes look at Taylor Swift and her record-breaking Eras Tour. What he expected was spectacle. What he didn’t expect was a masterclass in leadership with heart.   This episode explores what it looks like to lead at the highest level without becoming harder, colder, or smaller in the process.   You’ll hear reflections on: Emotional discipline and why leaders shouldn’t dump their stress downhill Showing up as a guide, not the hero How preparation creates freedom and confidence Why generosity and shared wins build loyalty What true belonging looks like on a team The power of owning your work, your voice, and your story If you’re tired of leadership advice that asks you to sacrifice your humanity for success, this conversation offers a better way.   If this episode resonated with you: Save it for the next time you need a reminder of the kind of leader you want to be. Share it with someone who feels tired of leading the “right” way and is ready for a better one. Or send it to a leader who needs fresh inspiration from an unexpected place. Because the world doesn’t need more polished leaders. It needs leaders who are prepared, generous, clear — and deeply human.   That’s what being a Badass Softie looks like.

As a new year begins, many leaders feel an unspoken pressure to measure themselves against impossible standards — more growth, more output, more proof that they’re “enough.” In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. JJ Peterson invites listeners to pause and challenge the definition of success they’ve been handed. Drawing from his own experiences launching businesses, leading teams, publishing a bestselling book, and creating work that mattered long before it was visible, Dr. Peterson makes a compelling case for redefining success as alignment, not achievement. He introduces the concept of a Year of Enoughness — not as a lowering of ambition, but as a way to protect it. A definition of success that doesn’t demand burnout, self-abandonment, or the loss of creativity and joy. Listeners will explore: Why achievement without alignment can still feel like failure How leaders unknowingly hustle for worth instead of living from it The difference between performative success and sustainable leadership A simple three-question framework to redefine success from the inside out This episode is for leaders who are deeply driven — and quietly tired of measuring their lives by what looks impressive instead of what feels true. If this episode resonates, share it with someone you believe is a badass softie — a leader who is ambitious, values-driven, and ready to build success without losing their humanity.

As leaders, we’re often taught that joy should wait its turn. That celebration is something you earn after the work is done, the chaos settles, and everything feels appropriate.   But what if that belief is quietly burning us out?   In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. JJ Peterson invites leaders to rethink joy—not as a reward, but as a leadership practice. Through a simple, human story and research-backed insight, he explores why joy isn’t denial, irresponsibility, or distraction… it’s how emotionally intelligent leaders stay resilient, creative, and deeply human.   This conversation is especially for those who feel the tension between ambition and tenderness—who are carrying a lot, leading through uncertainty, and wondering if celebration is allowed when things still feel hard.   Because joy doesn’t erase the heavy parts of life. It carries us through them.   ✨ If this episode resonates, share it with someone you believe is a true Badass Softie—someone who leads with heart, carries responsibility with courage, and deserves permission to celebrate a little sooner than they think.

Ever been at a holiday party, networking event, or standing awkwardly near a charcuterie board when someone asks, “So… what do you do?”   And suddenly your brain short-circuits.   You ramble. You minimize. You say something vague like “I help humans” and quietly watch the conversation die.   In this episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson breaks down why leaders dread that question—and how to answer it in a way that actually starts conversations instead of ending them.   Drawing from storytelling frameworks used in Hollywood, J.J. introduces a simple, human one-liner formula designed to help leaders explain what they do with clarity, confidence, and heart.   You’ll learn: Why most leaders accidentally confuse or bore people when talking about their work The 3-part one-liner formula (problem, solution, success) and why the brain remembers it How starting with someone else’s problem builds instant connection Why clarity isn’t just good marketing—it’s good leadership How a strong one-liner makes it easier for others to remember you and refer you This episode is for leaders who are unapologetically ambitious—but still deeply human. The ones who want their words to open doors, not shut conversations down.   Because a great one-liner doesn’t pitch. It honors the person you’re talking to. It sparks curiosity. And it gives people a reason to ask the next question.   👉 Download the one-liner worksheet - https://www.drjjpeterson.com/one-liner If this episode resonated, share it with someone you think is a Badass Softie—a leader who wants to lead with clarity, heart, and confidence.

Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with author and speaker Jen Hatmaker for a candid conversation about courage, integrity, and what happens when the life you’ve built no longer fits who you’re becoming.   Jen Hatmaker has navigated public success, private heartbreak, theological transformation, and the painful cost of choosing integrity over approval. Through every rise and collapse, she has remained tender, honest, grounded, and fiercely aligned with her values—modeling a different kind of leadership rooted in both strength and humanity.   Together, Dr. J.J. Peterson and Jen Hatmaker explore what unfolds when long-held roles begin to crack, when praised identities no longer fit, and when inherited values prove too small for the person emerging on the other side of growth.   This conversation explores: the moment Jen Hatmaker’s 26-year marriage shattered how she examined the “faulty bricks” her life was built on which values endure—and which must be released the cost of living out of alignment the cost of choosing integrity instead what it takes to rebuild a life that finally fits how pain can soften rather than harden There is humor woven throughout—AC/DC youth group myths, country music fangirling, and a Grand Ole Opry moment that lingers—but at its core, this is a conversation about truth, courage, and the lives leaders claim when they stop pretending.   The central reminder is clear: There is always a cost to staying in a life that no longer aligns with who you are becoming—and the longer you stay, the higher the cost becomes.   In the end, this is the work of a badass softie—allowing courage and compassion to guide the way toward a more honest, expansive life.

Everywhere I go lately, people are asking me the same thing: How do I stay human when everyone is using AI? And honestly, I get it. We’re living in a moment where content is being produced faster and more generically than ever before and leaders are wondering how to keep their voice from disappearing into the noise.   In today’s conversation, I’m sharing something I’ve learned after years of helping leaders craft clear, meaningful messaging: AI can create, but only you can curate. AI doesn’t have a point of view. It doesn’t have lived wisdom. It can’t tell the story that shaped you or the moment that changed your leadership. Only you can do that and that’s exactly what makes your voice irreplaceable.   Inside this episode, I walk you through the two practices that will help you stand out in an AI-saturated world: personal stories and paradigm shifts.   I’ll show you how your stories build trust, how your perspective sets you apart, and how you can start developing a stronger point of view this week — not by being louder, but by being more you.   And because I want you to leave this episode with something you can use right away, I give you three simple assignments that will help you clarify your voice, connect more deeply with your audience, and create content that feels human again.   If this conversation resonates and you want help shaping your message or your thought leadership, you can always reach out at drjjpeterson.com — it’s the work I love most.   And if this episode speaks to you, share it with someone in your life who is both ambitious and deeply human — someone you’d call a Badass Softie.

In this episode of The Badass Softie Podcast, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with creative business mentor and coach Laura Higgins for a heartfelt, grounded conversation on what it really means to lead as a creative.   Laura opens up about her journey from “generalist” uni dropout to running a successful business coaching over 1,000 creatives — and the mindset shifts, courage, and leadership skills she had to build along the way.   Together, they explore the tension so many creatives feel: Can I be ambitious without losing my softness? Can I lead boldly without abandoning my heart? Can I be an artist and an entrepreneur? Laura makes the case that leadership isn’t a personality type — it’s a learnable skill. And when creatives pair structure with soul, something powerful emerges: sustainable success without losing the magic.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why creatives often struggle with self-worth and visibility The real reason imposter syndrome hits heart-led leaders so hard How to balance your “artist self” with your “entrepreneur self” Why leadership is a set of skills — not an identity change How to protect your creativity (your greatest currency) Practical steps to get more leads, sell confidently, and scale with intention Why kindness and boundaries can (and should) coexist Connect with Laura: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurahiggins/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurahigginsofficial   Send this episode to the creative friend who keeps saying “one day.” Today could be the day they finally go for it.

In this episode of Badass Softie, I sit down with my longtime friend and former colleague, Tim Schurrer — someone whose leadership shaped not only my career, but the culture and growth of StoryBrand itself.   Tim is the author of The Secret Society of Success, a book that gently dismantles the assumption that success means being the one in the spotlight. And trust me… I’ve watched him live out that message for over a decade.   During our conversation, we explore: Why the spotlight isn’t the problem — but chasing it for the wrong reasons can derail your purpose. How Tim discovered he was built to thrive behind the scenes, not center stage. A leadership mindset shift inspired by the book Made to Stick: Are you demanding attention or attracting it? What Michael Collins (yes, the Apollo 11 astronaut who didn’t step on the moon) teaches us about quiet greatness. How redefining success can create more freedom, fulfillment, and impact than performing for recognition ever will. Tim and I both believe this with every fiber of our leadership bones: You don’t have to be the one on stage to live a meaningful, successful, deeply impactful life.   And honestly? Most people aren’t wired for the spotlight anyway — and that’s not a shortcoming. It’s a superpower when you understand how to use it.   If this episode resonates with you, I’d love for you to subscribe, comment, or leave a review — it helps more people find conversations like this one.

For leaders who chase big goals but crave meaning just as much as momentum — this conversation is for you.   Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Amy Porterfield, New York Times bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice, to unpack how ambition can serve you without consuming you.   Amy shares how she went from corporate employee at Tony Robbins to building a multimillion-dollar business — and how redefining “enough” transformed both her leadership and her life.   Together, they dig into the leadership lessons that every high-performer needs to hear: how to bet on yourself, stop moving the goalposts, and lead with clarity instead of chaos.   You’ll learn: The moment Amy realized she’d been chasing success at the expense of freedom How to tell the difference between healthy ambition and fear-driven overachievement Why most leaders keep moving the goal line — and how to stop The quiet leadership skill that accelerates growth: marking the moment How to evolve your business (and identity) without losing your purpose What “enough” really means — and how to build around it This episode isn’t about slowing down — it’s about leading smarter. 📘 Grab Amy’s book: Two Weeks Notice 📰 Join her newsletter: AmyPorterfield.com/newsletter   🎧 Subscribe, comment, or leave a review — and keep leading with both strength and softness at BadassSoftie.com.

You’ve been grinding nonstop: chasing goals, managing pressure, holding it all together. But lately, even the wins don’t feel like wins anymore. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks how burnout quietly steals your joy, and how reclaiming joy isn’t about pretending things are fine. It’s about reconnecting to purpose, energy, and the strength to keep showing up. Here's what you'll get: -Why burnout happens even when you “love what you do” -The science behind joy and how it rewires your brain for resilience -How to stop seeing joy as a reward — and start practicing it as daily work -What leaders gain when they make space for joy: clarity, courage, and connection -3 practical ways to reclaim joy this week (even when you don’t feel it yet) 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify Joy isn’t what happens after you succeed, it’s what keeps you going. When you stop waiting for joy and start practicing it, you’ll lead (and live) like a true Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

What do you do when life doesn’t go to plan — when the roadblocks, losses, and grief feel like they’ve stopped you in your tracks? In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson opens up about the year he lost his father and became a dad in the same weekend. Through stories of heartbreak and unexpected joy, J.J. reveals how to keep moving forward when grief and growth show up at the same time. This episode isn’t prescriptive — it’s honest, human, and grounded in what it really means to lead through hard seasons without losing yourself. You’ll learn how to create small victories, stay connected to your community, and lead with compassion even when life feels uncertain. Here’s what you’ll take away: -How to keep moving when hardship hits at the most inconvenient time -Why creating small victories helps you stay grounded in chaos -The power of being fearlessly courageous with your community -How vulnerability builds strength, not weakness -Why compassion is the key to healing and forward movement -A simple monthly reflection practice to help you mark the moment and move 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop waiting for life to get easier and start leading through both the heartbreak and the hope, you’ll discover what it truly means to lead with strength and softness — the heart of a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders don’t fail because they lack skill — they fail because they stop asking the right questions. When the path feels murky, pressure mounts, and clarity fades, it’s easy to slip into control or chaos. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Amy Smith — a leadership coach and consultant who’s led global training for Apple, coached executive teams for McDonald’s, and served as VP of Certification at StoryBrand. Amy brings two decades of frontline leadership experience to show you how to build trust, create clarity, and lead through uncertainty. Together, J.J. and Amy unpack five guiding questions every leader should be asking to stay grounded and effective. You’ll learn why assuming positive intent changes every conversation, how to make confident calls when the path isn’t clear, and how the right one-on-ones can completely transform team culture. Here’s what you’ll take away: -The mindset shift that turns judgment into curiosity and builds lasting trust -How to lead with clarity when you don’t have all the answers -The five guiding questions that re-center your leadership in any situation -Why one-on-ones are your most powerful leadership tool — and how to use them -How to simplify meetings so they actually drive results -The single shift that unlocks trust, ownership, and growth on your team Connect with Amy directly via email at Amy@HonuLeadership.comLinkedin.com/in/kudralobar/ 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop leading from fear and start leading with curiosity and clarity, you create a culture where people thrive — that’s what it means to lead as a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders think they’re self-aware — but they’re often just self-critical. The truth is, you can’t lead what you don’t feel. When emotions go unnamed, they run the show from behind the scenes, shaping decisions, reactions, and team dynamics. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Tera Wages to unpack why emotional fluency is the missing link between burnout and breakthrough. Tera introduces the Core Emotion Wheel — a simple but transformative framework for identifying and naming emotions that can completely change how you lead, parent, and communicate. By learning to spot what’s really happening beneath the surface, you stop reacting out of fear or frustration and start responding with clarity, empathy, and control. It’s a tool that gives you language for what you feel so your emotions become data, not drama — and that shift changes everything about how you lead others and yourself. In this episode you’ll take away: -Why most leaders misread their emotions — and how to change that -How to use the Core Emotion Wheel to navigate tough conversations -The difference between “fixing” emotions and actually feeling them -How emotional clarity turns reaction into intentional leadership -Practical ways to bring calm, confidence, and connection into your day Get the Core Emotion Wheel at ConnectionCodes.co/BadassSoftie — the exact tool Tera shares to help you name what you’re feeling before it turns into burnout or conflict. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop running from emotion and start naming it, you unlock your ability to lead with both clarity and compassion — the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders assume that working more hours means getting more done. But what if doing less actually produced better results—and a healthier, more loyal team? In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Hannah Lee, co-founder and CEO of Second Mile. Hannah helps organizations shift from a five-day to a four-day work week without losing productivity or profit. Hannah has led this transformation inside her own business and seen firsthand how redefining productivity changes everything. Together, J.J. and Hannah explore how rest, trust, and smarter systems can fuel creativity and focus. You’ll learn why “time” is the most overlooked leadership tool—and how reclaiming it can make both your business and your people thrive. Here’s what you’ll take away: -Why working fewer days can increase profit, focus, and retention -How to spot and eliminate wasted effort across your team -Why rest and recovery are the true drivers of long-term performance -How AI can give you hours back each week when used strategically -Practical steps to test and implement a four-day model without disruption If you’re ready to start reclaiming time and leading more effectively, explore these ideas mentioned in the episode: -It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work — Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson -Shorter and Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang -Connect with Hannah at TheSecondMile.com or at LinkedIn.com/in/Hannah-R-Collins/ 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop measuring success by how long you work and start focusing on what truly matters, you’ll build a business—and a life—that’s both productive and human. That’s the heart of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com