Badass Softie

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

Most leaders feel caught between impossible expectations. Be driven, but stay humble. Strive for excellence, but give yourself grace. Speak with candor, but never lose kindness. If that tension sounds familiar, this episode will change how you lead. Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Tim Arnold — international keynote speaker, best-selling author, and leadership coach — to reveal how embracing tension instead of trying to solve it is the true mark of great leadership. Something Tim and J.J. have come to call “the dance.” You’ll learn how to stop chasing perfect balance and start managing life’s most critical leadership paradoxes — drive and grace, striving and accepting, candor and kindness — so you can lead with confidence and compassion. By the end, you’ll know how to create a culture where people feel both challenged and cared for — and where your leadership finally feels sustainable. Here’s what you’ll take away: -Why balance is a myth — and tension is the real goal -How to hold high expectations without losing grace -The difference between striving and accepting (and why you need both) -Why true confidence requires humility -How candor and kindness together build trust that lasts 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop trying to solve the tension and start learning to dance with it, you’ll discover a whole new way to lead — with both strength and softness. That’s the heart of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Have you ever worried that if you’re honest about your struggles, your team will lose respect for you? Many leaders default to fear and control to protect authority but that approach actually kills creativity and trust. On this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson shows why being “safe” doesn’t mean being weak. True safety creates environments where teams can take risks, tell the truth, and do their best work. Skill may get you in the room, but character is what keeps you there. This week J.J. is joined by Blaine Hogan — a creative director and storyteller who has worked with Nike, LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more. Blaine shares how panic attacks, failure, and rebuilding character shaped his leadership and why honesty and vulnerability became the very tools that made him stronger. His story shows you how to stop leading from fear, build the kind of trust that fuels creativity, and turn personal setbacks into the credibility your team needs to follow you. You’ll take away: -Why “safe” doesn’t mean “soft” and how safety drives performance -How fear-based leadership destroys creativity and trust -Why character outlasts skill in every leadership role -How honesty and vulnerability strengthen your authority -Practical ways to build teams that take risks and deliver results 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop leading from fear and start leading with courage and character, you’ll create the kind of culture where people and performance can truly thrive. That’s the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

If your business is just delivering “good service,” you may already be forgettable. Customers don’t talk about good — they remember extraordinary. Those are the moments that earn loyalty, spark word-of-mouth, and make your business unforgettable. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks lessons from Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality — the philosophy that turned 11 Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world. For J.J., this isn’t just about restaurants; it’s about how leaders in any industry can pair ambition with heart to create experiences people never forget. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: -Why “good service” is black and white, but true hospitality is in color -How small, intentional gestures create lasting loyalty -The three pillars of unreasonable hospitality: connection, generosity, and systems -Why hospitality is the ultimate competitive advantage in today’s world -Practical ways leaders can surprise, delight, and create impact people never forget Unreasonable hospitality isn’t about grand gestures or massive budgets. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and systematizing moments of care that make people feel seen and valued. When you lead this way, you don’t just stand out — you create a culture where both your team and your customers thrive. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify Start creating the kind of unforgettable moments that win loyalty, spark growth, and redefine what leadership looks like. That’s the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

If you confuse, you lose. It’s the single biggest mistake leaders and businesses make — and it’s costing them influence, connection, and growth. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson breaks down the StoryBrand framework and shows why story is the most powerful tool for capturing attention and driving action. Most leaders put themselves at the center of the story, but your customers don’t need another hero — they need a guide. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: -Why customers always want to be the hero — and how to step into the guide role -How “if you confuse, you lose” explains why most leaders fail to inspire action -The 7 elements of a clear and compelling story (and how to apply them in leadership & marketing -How clarity in communication builds trust, motivates teams, and drives result -Practical steps to start using StoryBrand today to lead with impact Through stories and lessons pulled directly from his work with leaders worldwide, J.J. shows how shifting from hero to guide changes everything — for your business, your team, and the people you serve. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify It’s time to stop confusing your audience — and start leading with the clarity, confidence, and compassion of a true Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

This choice defines your future. Every leader lives out four roles: victim, villain, hero, and guide. The question isn’t whether these roles will show up in your story — it’s which one you’ll choose next. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks Donald Miller’s Hero on a Mission framework and shows why your leadership story changes the moment you stop playing small. Through personal stories (including the time he auditioned for a Missy Elliott music video) and insights from leaders he’s worked with around the world, J.J. reveals how to step into a story of courage, growth, and impact. Here's what you'll take away: -Why living in the victim role keeps you stuck and powerless -How villains are created by unhealed pain — and why their story always collapses -The truth about heroes: they’re not fearless, they just keep going -Why the guide role creates the most meaningful life and lasting influence -How to recognize the role you’re playing right now and choose a better one 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify Check out J.J. and Missy Elliot in their sweet DDR battle at https://youtu.be/Q33ujOhLV-E?t=95.   It’s time to stop settling for either/or leadership — and start stepping fully into being ambitious, kind, powerful, and deeply human: a true Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

For too long, leadership has been framed as a false choice: Be loud and aggressive, or compassionate and empathetic. Be ambitious, or be likable. Be respected, or be real. In this premiere episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson reflects on his own career and the leaders he’s worked alongside — and names the tension many of us feel. Too driven for the “soft” spaces, yet not cutthroat enough for the boardroom. For years, he believed you had to choose. But he’s discovered the opposite is true: the leaders who make the greatest impact are unapologetically ambitious and lead with heart. This episode is your starting place for redefining leadership. J.J. shares stories and lessons from his own journey where you’ll learn: -The false choices that keep leaders stuck (strong OR compassionate, respected OR real) -Why choosing “either/or” in leadership always leads to frustration -How the most impactful leaders combine ambition with empathy -A new framework for leading with both strength and softness -Practical steps to begin stepping more fully into being a Badass Softie 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify ------ It’s time to stop believing you have to choose — and start leading with both strength and softness, the very definition of a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Have you ever felt the tension of trying to imitate other leaders — tough and aggressive on one hand, all passion and heart on the other? Like you had to choose one lane or the other just to be taken seriously? Dr. J.J. Peterson has dealt with that same struggle. But the most successful leaders who inspired him most didn’t pick. They were able to be unapologetically ambitious while still leading with heart. That realization is at the heart of Badass Softie, a new podcast for ambitious leaders like you who want to chase big goals without losing what makes you human. Hosted by Dr. J.J. Peterson — professor, consultant, storyteller, and messaging expert — each episode brings insights from leaders and innovators, along with personal stories and lessons from J.J. himself. In this sneak peek, J.J. shares how the StoryBrand framework transformed his own leadership journey — and how it can help you step more fully into being a Badass Softie. 👉 Subscribe and follow so you’re ready when the first full episode drops on September 22, 2025. Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify You don’t have to play by someone else's outdated leadership rules anymore. Together, we will rewrite what it means to lead as Badass Softies.

Have you ever felt that to be a great leader you have to choose between being loud and aggressive or compassionate and empathetic? You're too driven for the “soft” spaces, yet not cutthroat enough for the boardroom. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose. Badass Softie is a new podcast for leaders who are unapologetically ambitious and want to lead with heart. Hosted by Dr. J.J. Peterson — professor, nonprofit leader, Hollywood storyteller, and messaging expert — J.J. has seen firsthand that the most impactful leaders don’t sacrifice one for the other. They chase big goals while leading with courage, vulnerability, and heart. Each episode brings you insights from leaders and innovators, along with personal stories and lessons from J.J. himself. The goal is always the same: to help you step more fully into being a Badass Softie — a leader who is ambitious, kind, powerful, and deeply human. Badass Softie launches September 22, 2025. Subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts — and watch episodes on YouTube at @BadassSoftie. It’s time to step fully into the kind of leader you were made to be, without playing by the outdated rules you were told to follow. Become a Badass Softie starting September 22.