Good Work with Barrett Brooks

Since the very first episode, Good Work has been about exploring why our work matters and how it helps us become the people and leaders we’re meant to be. Normally, I interview world-class guests, diving deep into their unique stories and insights. But today, I’m sharing my own experiences, lessons, and reflections. I’ve gathered questions from you, my listeners, as well as past guests, covering a wide range of topics: business advice, lessons learned from podcasting, life philosophy, and how I approach my own work. This episode is a chance to connect on a different level as I reflect on the year and answer your questions. I hope it brings value and inspiration as we wrap up the year together. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:44) - What's the number one process business owners need to have to stay happy and engaged?  (05:14) - What are the biggest tactical challenges that $1m+ creator/founders struggle with? (14:05) - What are the common threads in the life ambitions or mentality of the people you've had on the podcast? (27:25) - How have you changed, matured, or grown as a result of something you've learned from a guest on Good Work? (31:22) - What have you learned about podcasting that you didn't know or didn't expect when you started? (39:14) - Has podcasting changed anything about your views on the impact and importance of various forms of media in society at large? (44:16) - Of all the people you talked to, for whom did your respect increase the most after all the research and conversation, and why? (47:44) - What's up with the podcast artwork? And is there any meaning behind the studio design? (56:50) - What is your definition of "enough"? (01:04:04) - What are some challenges you're proud of solving, and how did you solve them?  (01:13:21) - Over the last 10 years, what's become more important to you, and what's become less important? Does his weekly calendar match the answer? (01:16:14) - What are you avoiding just because it will take longer than you'd like? (01:17:09) - What was most surprising about 2024, and how are you feeling about 2025? (01:19:07) - is there anything you've learned in your life that you wish you didn't know? (01:22:23) - What six-month period of your life was the most energizing and fun, and what can you learn from the answer? (01:32:26) - How do you manage your day and your week? (01:38:27) - What would young Barrett think of the work you're doing today? (01:44:43) - If you were the teacher for your kids and a few other local kids, what's one class or curriculum you'd love to teach them and why? (01:48:08) - Why are garbage trucks stinky? And what makes buses awesome? (01:49:56) - Final thoughts Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Ruthie Ackerman—a talented author, journalist, and writing teacher who has turned her own journey into a blueprint for helping others find their voice. Ruthie’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Modern Love, and many other renowned outlets, but her true passion lies in empowering others to discover and write their own stories. Through her workshops, one-on-one coaching, and book incubators, Ruthie helps writers connect with their experiences, heal from the past, and find deeper meaning in their lives. We explore Ruthie’s journey—from traveling the world in her 20s, to pivoting into journalism, to teaching creative nonfiction and memoir to students around the globe. We also dive into the deeply personal moments that shaped her path, including her journey to motherhood. Ruthie’s insights on storytelling, healing, and personal growth are inspiring, and I hope our conversation encourages you to reflect on your own story and its potential to create meaning and connection. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:48) - How Ruthie ended up in Malawi (10:31) - The path to journalism (13:19) - Brooklyn dreams (18:38) - Reporting from Liberia and Lebanon (28:18) - The Forbes experience (32:05) - Starting Write Your Life (36:12) - How Ruthie teaches writing (47:51) - The importance of memoir (53:25) - Balancing personal and professional life (01:03:55) - The journey to motherhood (01:09:28) - Dealing with changing desires  (01:16:14) - Understanding self-silencing and emotional repression (01:24:02) - The reality of fertility treatments (01:28:24) - Dating after divorce (01:33:17) - Finding love and facing heartbreak (01:44:19) - Meeting Rob (01:48:37) - Reflections on the journey and personal growth (01:52:06) - Ruthie's most beautiful future (01:55:09) - Who Ruthie is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Andy Crissinger, a world-class coach and master facilitator who has guided leaders at some of the world’s most renowned startups and companies. Andy’s journey to coaching is remarkable, weaving through ministry, startup leadership, and eventually finding his calling as a coach. In the first half of our conversation, we explore his personal story, which is deeply relatable and filled with lessons about growth and resilience. In the second half, we dive into a coaching curriculum built around five transformative books, offering practical insights for personal and professional development. These resources can help you grow into the leader, partner, and parent you aspire to be. I loved this conversation with Andy about finding purpose, building trust, and achieving meaningful growth, and I think you will too. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:05) - Who is Leonard? (03:25) - What music represents for Andy (07:28) - Family, integrity, and sense-making (14:15) - Andy's transition to ministry (17:09) - What Andy learned about community through ministry (23:13) - Coaching vs teaching (30:20) - The journey through infertility (39:16) - How impact and joy of fatherhood (43:15) - Transitioning to coaching (48:00) - Founding Worksong (01:00:23) - Humble Inquiry by Edgar Schein (01:13:11) - Inherited Family Trauma (01:19:42) - Andy's beautiful future (01:22:18) - Who And is becoming (01:24:19) - Trees by Howard Nemerov Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Patrick McKenzie, better known online as “patio11.” Patrick has built an impressive career by sharing his insights publicly, with more than three million words published to date. From his years at Stripe to his current sabbatical, Patrick’s journey proves that the “traditional path” is not always the best one. We explore how his love for systems thinking and complex problem-solving has shaped his career. He shares candidly about his 20 years in Japan, navigating work-life balance, his evolving thoughts on autonomy, and how writing has opened doors to unexpected opportunities. Known for his deep dives into topics you didn’t realize you cared about, Patrick brings fresh perspectives on tech, culture, and finding meaning in work. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:10) - Why gaming is underrated for learning real-world skills (06:21) - Why do thieves steal soap? (08:54) - Following intellectual curiosity (13:18) - Call centers and organizational systems (22:39) - Lessons from 20 years in Japan (28:30) - The salaryman (37:08) - Patrick's transition to entrepreneurial ventures (39:09) - How to know what to keep and what to change (42:14) - Dealing with career uncertainty (52:08) - Professionals vs amateurs (57:14) - Lessons from Stockfighter (01:01:07) - Stripe and stepping into the void (01:21:50) - The impact of writing and sharing knowledge (01:26:30) - The relationship between community and impact Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Tim Grahl, CEO of Story Grid and author of The Shithead, a novel that’s both thrilling and deeply personal. Tim made a name for himself as a book marketer who landed multiple titles on the New York Times  Bestseller list at the same time. Tim’s work with Story Grid, alongside his partner Shawn Coyne, has guided hundreds of aspiring authors in mastering the essential elements of storytelling, helping them transform “I hope I can write a book someday” into a published reality. We cover a range of topics, from Tim’s journey as a book marketer to his insights on the power of structure in storytelling. We also dive into his personal experiences, including the impact of therapy on his growth as both a person and a professional. Tim’s work ethic and passion for meaningful storytelling are infectious, and I think you’ll find our conversation both inspiring and thought-provoking. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (05:06) - Tim's perfect vacation (11:54) - Doing work that people don't understand (15:19) - The "secret" to Tim's success (20:34) - The moment Tim knew his business was broken (31:06) - What is an object of desire? (34:10) - The problem with online courses (and how to fix it) (01:03:47) - Behind the scenes of writing a meaningful book (01:13:37) - Success and the half warm beer theory (01:18:03) - Reflecting on regret (01:24:28) - How therapy changed everything (01:32:58) - Chasing insight vs integration (01:38:19) - Tim's beautiful future (01:42:47) - Who Tim is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with my friend Mo Bunnell, founder of GrowBIG and the Bunnell Idea Group, which offers one of the most in-depth, relationship-driven trainings on sales and business development. Mo is the author of Give to Grow, a book I recommend to anyone interested in learning business development with a values-centered approach. We start by diving into Mo’s personal life, his deep commitment to family, and the strength of his marriage. In the second half, Mo shares his unique business development framework, applying it to my business in ways that make it practical and actionable. Mo’s insights reveal how success, when rooted in genuine connection, transforms careers and lives. I hope you enjoy this conversation with one of the kindest, most relationship-driven people I know. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:32) - How Mo ended up tied to a donkey in the Colorado mountains (09:22) - Reflecting on 32 years of marriage (12:41) - The power of writing down goals (16:13) - Case study: Pursuing a dream home (24:45) - Parenting and the importance of family rituals (34:59) - Celebrating achievements and friendships (37:21) - The role of community and friendship (39:26) - Building a sense of belonging (40:00) - The Breckenridge and Mashup experience (41:01) - Creating and hosting events (49:28) - Writing, publishing, and becoming an author (01:03:35) - Applying the Give to Grow framework (01:11:52) - The five lies we tell ourselves (01:14:31) - Overcoming the lies and setting goals (01:19:35) - Designing a buy-in process (01:22:14) - Identifying and engaging with clients (01:24:49) - The power of specialization (01:30:37) - Creating scalable systems (01:38:37) - Mo's beautiful future (01:40:23) - Who Mo is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Dr. Erika Siegel, a naturopathic doctor with nearly 20 years of experience. I discovered her work through a recommendation from my doctor and was immediately drawn to her two-volume book set, The Nourish Me Kitchen, which combines essential health wisdom with practical recipes. As a coach, I see many entrepreneurs burning out due to the immense physical and mental demands of their work. In our conversation, Erika shares her journey and insights on how to maintain wellness as an entrepreneur. We explore how to sustain your health, just like a professional athlete, to keep performing at your best. If you’re looking for practical tips on managing stress, taking care of your body, and making an impact without sacrificing your well-being, this episode is for you. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (04:45) - Erika's 40-mile hike  (08:46) - Why mental preparation is key (11:02) - The Importance of Honest Communication (15:56) - Erika's Journey into Medicine (22:02) - Choosing a Path in Naturopathic Medicine (27:05) - The Evolution of Functional Medicine (33:40) - Life in Portland and Embracing Nature (44:02) - Nature's Healing Power (52:03) - Parenting with Intention  (01:03:47) - Healthy expressions of emotion (01:15:19) - Holistic Health Strategies (01:24:35) - How psychology impacts biology  (01:29:41) - Starting points for managing stress (01:35:52) - How to kick bad habits (01:40:55) - Detoxifying in a Modern World  (01:55:58) - Erika's beautiful future (01:56:52) - Who Erika is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with my friend Kevin Lavelle, founder of Mizzen+Main, a company that revolutionized the dress shirt industry. We talk about how Kevin built Mizzen+Main into a successful brand, and why he ultimately decided to step back and bring in a CEO. We dive into Kevin’s early career in management consulting and the journey to his prior role at Stand Together, a nonprofit backed by Charles Koch, including how he navigated the challenges and opportunities that came with that. We also explore Kevin’s new venture, Harbor, and the lessons he’s learned as a second-time founder. Kevin has a lot of insight into what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and how to become the kind of leader capable of building deeply meaningful companies where people love going to work. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (04:20) - A Valentine’s Day story (07:10) - Kevin’s early career and experiences in the Middle East (22:01) - Global Shapers and Stand Together (32:13) - Complexities of societal issues and solutions (36:00) - The importance of nuanced conversations (39:10) - Building bridges across political divides (45:52) - The power of personal engagement in business (50:30) - What Kevin is doing differently as a second-time founder (01:01:45) - The art of storytelling in business (01:09:23) - Marketing and educational content at Harbor (01:12:34) - Innovating baby monitors (01:22:58) - Competitive positioning and market strategy (01:31:34) - Kevin’s beautiful future Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Brie Wolfson, someone whose reputation precedes her. She’s the kind of person people rave about getting to work with. Brie was instrumental in bringing Stripe Press to life, partnering with John Collison and the Stripe team to build something truly special. After her time at Stripe, she moved to Figma before eventually facing burnout and needing a break. Brie has been open about her journey through depression, which we dive into during our conversation. Brie recently joined Colossus (founded by Patrick O’Shaughnessy) as Chief Marketing Officer. She also runs a consultancy called The Kool-Aid Factory (a truly brilliant name, I think), helping startups shape their company culture. Brie is empathetic, thoughtful, and relatable—traits that shine throughout this conversation. Let's get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:52) - Writing to one person: techniques and inspirations (06:57) - The role of writing in personal identity (09:59) - Navigating the AI landscape (12:21) - Turning down the noise: digital detox (17:03) - Paul Graham’s ‘Founder Mode’ essay (26:48) - The importance of taste and curation (35:06) - Brie’s creative explosion in 2022 (37:12) - The writing process & self-editing (40:19) - Is the nature of writing online changing? (44:34) - Career docs and personal achievements (54:26) - Brie’s essay on depression (56:51) - Navigating depression and loneliness (01:01:19) - The power of self-soothing (01:07:59) - The importance of setting boundaries (01:09:13) - On trusting others (01:12:03) - The impact of athletics (01:18:51) - Identity loss after sports (01:22:17) - On leaving Stripe (01:24:33) - Optimizing for good vibes (01:26:55) - Communicating your value (01:30:46) - What’s next for Brie? (01:34:51) - Brie’s beautiful future (01:39:38) - Who Brie is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I sit down with Nat West, founder and former CEO of Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, a pioneering craft cider company in Portland, Oregon. Over 12 years, Nat helped shape the city’s thriving cider scene before making the bold decision to close his business, despite its post-pandemic stability. Seeking a change, Nat spent six months driving a public city bus—a dream he’d always had—and rediscovered his love for Portland, a city (my city) often misunderstood in national media. Inspired by this experience, a friend encouraged him to run for city council during a pivotal moment of governmental restructuring in Portland. Though we don’t always agree on the solutions, I admire Nat’s passion for public service and his unique entrepreneurial perspective. In this conversation, we explore what motivates someone to shift from business to public service and what it’s like to be on the cusp of a new political journey. Let’s get to it.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (06:02) - The art and science of cider-making (11:51) - Growing the business vs enjoying the craft (14:20) - On the importance of marketing (20:34) - Challenges and changes during the pandemic (32:25) - The moment Nat realized it was time to move on (36:40) - Nat’s approach to building culture in his team (49:17) - Moving on from a business (54:47) - Seeing the city as a bus driver (01:08:02) - Running for city council (01:15:21) - Defining the role of a city councilor (01:19:02) - Nat’s collaborative approach to politics (01:22:49) - Challenges and opportunities for small businesses (01:25:36) - A vision for Portland’s future (01:39:56) - Nat’s beautiful future (01:43:14) - Who Nat is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Clea Kolster, Head of Science and Partner at Lowercarbon Capital, a venture capital fund dedicated to solving climate change, or, as they put it, un-f***ing the planet. Lowercarbon is one of my favorite funds because they’re not just focused on making an impact—they’re also unafraid to make serious money along the way. Clea has a fascinating background, growing up between Persian and Danish cultures, and ultimately finding her passion in science, technology, and climate solutions. Over her career, she’s shifted from a policy-centric approach to tackling climate change to a venture capital perspective, where she now helps build the companies that will shape the future. We dive into Clea’s personal journey, the global challenges we face due to climate change, and how innovative companies are developing solutions. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Clea before, and I know you’ll enjoy our conversation. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (04:21) - Biking from London to Paris (09:17) - Physical challenges and personal growth (16:37) - Cultural identity and its Impact (25:05) - Clea's mission-driven career in climate tech (32:13) - From policy to capital (38:25) - Lowercarbon and Clea's approach to solving climate change (44:24) - The impact of the IRA bill (47:47) - Hydrogen and its challenges (51:53) - Evaluating investment opportunities (54:48) - The excitement of deep tech (58:33) - Leadership and building a strong team (01:03:54) - The future of fusion energy (01:11:31) - Unique carbon capture solutions (01:20:00) - Clea's beautiful future (01:22:01) - Who Clea is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Steph Smith, someone I consider a true curator of the internet. Steph is a writer, podcaster, and currently the host of the A16Z Podcast for the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. She’s built an incredible online presence with her viral articles on remote work, productivity, and more, which have stood the test of time. Steph’s work has led her to opportunities like running the Trends Newsletter for The Hustle and creating projects like Internet Pipes and her podcast, The Shit You Don’t Learn in School. I admire Steph for her ability to expose people to new ideas and possibilities in their careers and lives. In this episode, we discuss her journey, her philosophy on impact, and how she approaches building her unique and impactful career. I think you’ll find her story and insights as inspiring as I did. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:53) - Building community through shared experiences (07:16) - Documentary screenings (11:28) - How exposure to new things shapes your experiences (15:27) - Balancing specialization and exploration (18:50) - The nomadic lifestyle and remote work (22:55) - Personal growth through travel and learning (29:46) - How Steph’s nomadic lifestyle has changed (33:48) - How marriage impacts life and work (42:23) - Settling down and building roots (45:41) - Pandemic reflections (49:20) - Multicultural upbringing and identity (56:06) - What led to Steph’s creative explosion in 2019 (01:03:30) - How to break through the noise (01:14:52) - How Steph has approached podcasting as a full-time job (01:27:57) - What makes a great podcast host (01:37:25) - Untranslatable words: Capturing unique experiences (01:48:54) - Steph’s beautiful future (01:51:50) - Who Steph is becoming​ Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

This week, I talk with Laura Behrens Wu, co-founder and CEO of Shippo, a company that’s transforming the way e-commerce businesses handle shipping logistics. If you’re not in the e-commerce world, you may not have heard of Shippo, but for those who are, it’s a big deal. They help businesses seamlessly get products from A to B with some of the simplest, most elegant shipping solutions out there. Laura’s story is especially remarkable—she’s one of the few female CEOs of a billion-dollar company, and Shippo has grown into a powerhouse, serving more than 50,000 businesses. We dive into how she’s led this growth, the values that drive her and her team, and how they turned a boring problem into something extraordinary. Join me as we explore Laura’s journey, her leadership, and what it really takes to build and scale a company like Shippo. Let’s get to it! In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:40) - How Laura became the “stick figure girl” (07:45) - How optimism serves Laura and her team (11:14) - Handling customer feedback and roadmaps (21:14) - The complexities of shipping logistics (33:49) - Laura’s vision for Shippo and empowering SMBs (39:21) - Improving customer experience (44:13) - Adding personality to a brand (46:52) - Building a strong co-founder relationship (57:42) - Company culture and values (01:06:19) - Leading with authenticity (01:12:09) - Lessons learned from managing remote teams (01:18:03) - How Laura’s global upbringing has shaped her (01:21:57) - The role of community and personal growth (01:25:55) - Reflections on immigration and personal identity (01:29:52) - Laura’s beautiful future (01:32:07) - Who Laura is becoming​ Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Emily McDowell is an advisor, thought partner, and coach to creative entrepreneurs in the product space, helping to save their time, money, and sanity. As founder of the stationery and gift company Em & Friends, she inspired a sea change in the greeting card industry with Empathy Cards, a more honest and supportive alternative to traditional sympathy cards, and for nearly a decade, some element of her work was in a constant state of “viral.” In 2022, Em & Friends was acquired by Union Square & Co / Barnes & Noble, and Emily exited the business. She is also the co-author and illustrator of There Is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life Gets Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love (HarperOne, 2017), and offers unsolicited advice and cautionary tales in her newsletter, Subject to Change, a Substack Featured Publication of 2023. This week, Barrett talks with Emily about their mutual experiences of burnout, identity loss, and recovery after leaving significant professional roles. Emily shares her journey from a high-stress advertising career to creating a company focused on empathy cards, driven by her experience surviving cancer. Emily and Barrett discuss the rapid growth and subsequent burnout she experienced, the emotional and mental toll of such high stress, and the importance of reconnecting with one's authentic self amidst professional pressure. They cover a wide range of topics, including personal stories of financial insecurity, the search for purpose, self-acceptance, and the balance of ambition with self-care, emphasizing the significance of internal work and the healing power of genuine human connections and new beginnings. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (05:19) - Emily’s advertising background and first viral card (11:30) - Navigating business growth and challenges (18:42) - Merging with Knock Knock and burnout (27:04) - Barrett’s story of burnout (32:06) - The aftermath of leaving a successful role (39:14) - Embracing quitting and self-discovery (55:53) - Facing setbacks and choosing a new path (01:01:55) - Redefining success and ambition (01:13:53) - A shift in self-perception (01:16:21) - Embracing vulnerability (01:18:25) - Letting go of burdens (01:22:14) - Rediscovering self-worth (01:24:58) - Navigating new ambitions (01:40:55) - Emily’s beautiful future (01:41:48) - Who Emily is becoming (01:45:41) - Barrett’s poem Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Tamara Winter is the Commissioning Editor at Stripe Press, the publishing imprint of Stripe, and a board member of the Institute for Progress and the Foundation for American Innovation. Previously, she worked as the head of strategy at the Charter Cities Institute, and at the Mercatus Center. She has written for the Chicago Tribune, Works in Progress, and a16z. She also wrote and hosted Beneath the Surface, a limited-run podcast about infrastructure and some of the most complex challenges facing our world. Known for her keen insights and high standards, Tamara is deeply passionate about storytelling, business development, and championing people with big ideas. This week, Barrett talks with Tamara about her exceptional career journey, from building a presence on Twitter to curating influential works at Stripe Press. Drawing from her upbringing as an African immigrant and the influence of her parents, Tamara reflects on the importance of surrounding oneself with high achievers, the value of curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence. She emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling, her love for tacit knowledge, and her vision for blending tech with story to influence the world. Barrett and Tamara also discuss the nuances of impactful work, the lasting influence of intentional connections, and Tamara's aspiration to inspire others while shaping a meaningful legacy through publishing. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:39) - Tamara’s journey to Stripe Press (06:47) - Turpentine and provocations (09:24) - Challenges and innovations in publishing (13:03) - The role of Stripe Press in Stripe’s ecosystem (19:02) - The first book that captured Tamara’s imagination (26:21) - Tamara’s early days at Stripe (35:22) - Interviewing Jordan Mechner (37:48) - The duality of Teddy Roosevelt (40:13) - Remembering Charlie Munger (48:58) - The influence of mentors and unconventional career paths (01:04:55) - The value of high-quality authors and books (01:13:26) - The desire for excellence (01:16:08) - Family expectations and developing taste (01:23:54) - Principles for early career success (01:38:14) - Tamara’s beautiful future (01:44:11) - Who Tamara is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Kanyi Maqubela is Managing Partner at Kindred Ventures, where he focuses his investment and formation work in theme areas including frontier technology, digital health, e-commerce, financial technology, and supply-chain/logistics. As an entrepreneur and operator, Kanyi is a co-founder at Heartbeat Health, the largest virtual heart health platform in the United States. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at New York University Tisch School of the Arts. He lives in San Francisco with his family and serves as founding advisor for Screendoor Partners. This week, Barrett and Kanyi share a wide-ranging conversation about life, business, parenting, and more. They explore Kanyi’s journey from apartheid South Africa to the U.S. venture capital scene, and how his consciously crafted identity influences his approach to work and life. They talk about the impact of COVID-19 on venture capital, the evolution of technology in society, and the role of scientific discovery in innovation. They also discuss the importance of maintaining diverse cultural spaces amidst algorithm-driven content, the balance between mysteries and secrets in business, and the importance of supporting independent creators. They share their reflections on purposeful parenting and its unconscious impact, highlighting themes of identity, creativity, and the intersection of individual and collective progress. In this episode: (00:00) - Welcome to Good Work (02:47) - Hip hop culture and the Kendrick-Drake beef (09:01) - The importance of identity and teaching (13:14) - How family history shaped Kanyi’s identity (18:24) - The role of identity in personal and professional life (30:59) - Advice for founders (38:48) - How COVID reshaped the venture capital landscape (47:03) - On being “American-African” (01:00:52) - The intersection of neuroscience and technology (01:08:27) - The value of pseudoscience in innovation (01:19:16) - Mysteries vs. secrets in business (01:28:37) - Parenting and personal growth (01:34:17) - Kanyi’s beautiful future (01:37:20) - Who Kanyi is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Benji Backer is the Executive Chairman and Founder of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), the largest right-of-center environmental organization in the country, and the author of The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future. A proud graduate of the University of Washington, Benji has been awarded the Fortune 40 Under 40, Forbes 30 Under 30, GreenBiz 30 Under 30, and Grist 50. He serves as a board member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences' Climate Change Commission, the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum, and BridgeUSA. A frequent contributor to national media outlets, Benji is one of the leading youth environmental voices in the country. This week, Barrett talks with Benji about his early start in political activism inspired by John McCain, the intense bullying he faced in high school, and his efforts to bridge bipartisan divides in environmental advocacy. Benji shares his experiences with burnout and the difficult decision to step down from his leadership role at the ACC while continuing his mission toward nonpartisan environmental solutions. They discuss the dangers of perceived expertise without real experience, the necessity of adapting policies over time, and the importance of building bipartisan coalitions. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (04:17) - Burnout and stepping down as CEO (12:35) - Reflecting on leadership and personal growth (29:22) - The importance of bipartisan climate solutions (33:17) - Benji's brand of conservatism (40:24) - Bullying and opposition in school (56:55) - Bridging the political divide and finding solace in nature (01:04:38) - Building coalitions in politics (01:16:48) - Political sensationalism (01:21:35) - Understanding different perspectives (01:30:07) - Republicans and environmentalism (01:33:40) - Start local (01:40:28) - How to create change (01:46:51) - Making the environment nonpartisan (01:47:57) - Who Benji is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Austin Mann is a talented photographer, adventurer, and technology influencer known for his captivating images and storytelling. With a passion for exploring the beauty of creation, Austin has traveled the world, capturing stunning photographs and sharing his experiences through his work. He has gained recognition for his expertise in using Apple products, particularly the iPhone, as powerful tools for photography and has been featured in Apple's "Shot on iPhone" campaign. This week, Barrett talks with Austin about his journey as a photographer, storyteller, and entrepreneur. They discuss the pivotal moments that shaped Austin’s career, from his early days of hustling for a job at National Geographic to his collaboration with Apple on the groundbreaking "Shot on iPhone" campaign. Austin talks about his relationship with his wife and fellow artist, Esther Havens, and how their shared passion for socially impactful storytelling and empathy-driven photography has guided their work. Austin also discusses the importance of curiosity, determination, and meaningful intent in his work, as well as the power of photography to challenge, inspire, and enable others to explore the beauty of the world around them. In this episode: (00:00) Intro (05:11) - Austin's move to National Geographic (15:29) - Early influences (19:29) - The role of technology in photography (23:50) - The future of photography in the age of AI (32:47) - Austin’s college years and faith journey (36:00) - A life-changing moment (38:45) - Finding purpose through faith and photography (43:04) - Austin reflects on his lightning photo  (49:20) - Early career and social impact work (56:27) - First iPhone review and growing recognition (01:07:34) - The Shot on iPhone campaign (01:11:58) - The surreal experience of seeing your work on billboards (01:14:39) - How Austin met his wife (01:21:05) - Austin's unique proposal (01:30:51) - Austin's mission and the life plan exercise (01:36:43) - Who Austin is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Joshua Scott is the creator and president of JHS Pedals. His YouTube series, The JHS Show, has garnered millions of views from audiences spanning the globe. Josh is passionate about the history and stories surrounding guitar technology and teaches in collaboration with museums, companies, and universities. Often considered the historical authority on guitar's sonic evolution from the sixties to the present day, Josh contributes his knowledge to historical archive preservations, auction appraisals, documentaries, and more. This week, Barrett talks with Josh about his journey from experimenting on YouTube to building a thriving community around guitar pedals and music. Josh shares his deep passion for music history, and how JHS Pedals has grown through authenticity, technology, and community engagement, despite facing rejection and online criticism along the way. They also discuss the importance of authenticity in marketing, the power of history, and the challenge of balancing creativity with business demands. In this episode: [00:00] - Intro [07:08] - Josh's journey with Ross Pedals [14:30] - Why excitement is a crucial part of the creative process [26:32] - Balancing excitement and execution [39:32] - The role of the team in decision-making [42:35] - Challenges in communication and collaboration [50:08] - The importance of story in creativity [01:05:10] - What makes a brand [01:16:19] - Staying authentic amidst rejection  [01:21:04] - The shift to YouTube [01:30:50] - How Josh keeps his show interesting [01:33:38] - Embracing criticism and personal growth [01:41:20] - Josh's beautiful future [01:45:36] - Who Josh is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Josh Kaufman is the bestselling author of books on business, applied psychology, and practical wisdom. His first book, The Personal MBA, is a top-selling business book worldwide, with more than 1 million copies sold. His second book, The First 20 Hours, introduced a universal research-based method of learning fun and useful skills. His third book, How to Fight a Hydra, a "fairy tale for the entrepreneur's journey," debuted at #1 in Modern Philosophy on Amazon. This week, Barrett and Josh cover a wide range of topics from thoughtful entrepreneurship to heartful parenting. They talk about the profound impact of letting go of assumptions, the trap of pursuing status, and how to live with wisdom and intention. Josh shares his experiences with strategic self-publishing, why he thinks about his books like an investment portfolio, and what it looks like to define success on your own terms. They also discuss how to evaluate priorities, why emotional clarity is necessary for breaking down barriers to creativity and action, the importance of playing the long game, and much more.  In this episode: [00:00] - Intro [03:04] - The chocolate quality debate [08:03] - Developing taste and preferences [17:01] - The art of audio and narration [30:53] - The business of books [41:20] - Building a book portfolio [46:27] - Choosing new projects and the paradox of choice [01:02:07] - Status games and trade-offs [01:15:49] - Setting the right priorities and dealing with trade-offs [01:27:44] - The power of questioning assumptions [01:34:30] - Parenting insights and reflections [01:41:24] - Building a home with intentionality [01:47:41] - Josh’s beautiful future [01:49:28] - Who Josh is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.