Best Applied Improvisation Podcasts (2025)

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S2 Ep7: Bryan Doerries (Theater of War Productions) - performing histories of health disparities 49:16

4d ago49:16

49:16

Welcome back to another episode of For the Medical Record! This week, Richard and Mia talk with Bryan Doerries, artistic director of Theater of War Productions. They discuss Bryan's recent production of A Refutation, where actors dramatically read documents related to the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, which was performed at several lo…

1
Ep175 Q&A Thumb Chords - Song Memory - Rhythm Tips - and Foo Fighters Fretboard Tricks 1:00:14

9d ago1:00:14

1:00:14

In episode 175 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener emails about: Using your thumb to fret the 6th string in barre chords and possible workarounds How to improve your rhythm and memorize songs more effectively The G form barre chord and how it's used in modern playing A theory-based analysis of Foo Fighters’ use of pedal tones in c…

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033 - Say “Yes, And!” to Sparking a Cascade of Change With Greg Satell 1:00:07

11d ago1:00:07

1:00:07

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with Greg Satell—author of Cascades and Mapping Innovation, and a leading voice on evidence-based change management. We dive deep into why traditional change methods often backfire, the science of how change actually spreads, and how leaders can spark transformational change by starting sm…

1
Improvly Parenting: A Comedy Show in Real Life with Matthew Krekeler, Host of Girl Dad Nation Podcast 1:05:38

14d ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Parenting can be just like improv (aka Improvly Parenting) – you never know what’s coming next, and you just have to roll with it. That’s exactly the kind of real talk you get on the Improvly Speaking today with my guest, Matthew Krekeler – a proud “girl dad,” podcast host, and media pro from Denver, Colorado. Matthew is the founder of the Girl Dad…

1
Cheers to 6 Years - Improviding Life Lessons Learned, Anniversary Edition 27:35

15d ago27:35

27:35

Send us a text Lori celebrates the sixth anniversary of "Improviding Life", reflecting on six years of business and personal growth. Transcript https://otter.ai/u/yHUySFzUuLcurkkMIWoUV2yCJXE?view=summary Cheers to 6 Years Sale: use code CHEERS6YEARS through June 30th, 2025 Wake Up Willingly $6 Synclarities Starter Kit $6 Yes, And Yesterday $66 Yes,…

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S2 Ep6: Bonus Episode: Michael Seminara - on curating the historical collection at the Institute of the History of Medicine 18:46

18d ago18:46

18:46

It's summer, which means scholars are heading to the archives! Looking down the barrel at their own upcoming research trips, Richard and Mia talk with Michael Seminara, the curator for the historical collection at the Institute of the History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins. They chat with him about curating the collection, putting up exhibitions, and…

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032 - Say “Yes, And!” to Offboarding Done Right with Toni Thomas 51:18

25d ago51:18

51:18

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I’m joined by Toni Thomas from Challenger, Gray & Christmas to explore a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: offboarding. While onboarding gets the red carpet treatment, too often the way people exit an organization is abrupt, impersonal, and damaging — to them and to the company. Toni sh…

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Yes, And Healing: Using Improv in Therapy with Salma Soliman 1:49:58

28d ago1:49:58

1:49:58

What happens when you combine the compassion of a therapist with the quick-thinking creativity of an improviser? You get someone like Salma Soliman – a licensed therapist and the founder of Brave Youth Therapy in California, and today’s guest on Improvly Speaking. I got the privilege of chatting with Salma for a joyful and heartfelt conversation ab…

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S2 Ep5: Mary Fissell - on abortion's long durée 37:58

1M ago37:58

37:58

In this episode, Richard and Mia talk with Mary Fissell, the Inaugural J. Mario Molina Professor of the History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, about her new book, "Pushback: The 2,500-Year Fight to Thwart Women by Restricting Abortion." This is a great book and Mary is such a wealth of knowledge about this history. Related Works: Jennifer…

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031 - 52 Things I Would Tell My 22 Year-Old Self (Birthday Episode!) 1:08:06

1M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

This week is my birthday—I'm turning 52! And to mark the occasion, I'm sharing something a little different: 52 things I would tell my 22-year-old self. Over the years, I've made a lot of mistakes, learned a ton, and picked up a bunch of insights that would’ve helped me back when I was just starting out. In this fast-paced, fun solo episode, I shar…

1
Ep174 Recreating Iconic 80s Tones For Kemper and Helix with Matt Reviere 1:36:47

1M ago1:36:47

1:36:47

In episode 174 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I chat with Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere about recreating classic 80s guitar tones for the Kemper Profiling Amplifier and Line 6 Helix using the new Inspired by the 80s pack from Tone Junkie. We discuss his workflow for analyzing songs, dialing in tones, and jamming on iconic riffs from …

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S2 Ep4: Alisha Rankin (Colloquium Mini Episode) - on surgical expertise in Renaissance manuscripts 31:52

2M ago31:52

31:52

In this (not-so-mini) episode, Richard and Mia chat with Tufts University history professor, Alisha Rankin, about the paper she presented for the 29th Hideyo Ngouchi Lecture and as part of the Johns Hopkins Program in the History of Science, Medicine & Technology's colloquium series. Her paper, "The Skillful Surgeon: Surgical Expertise and Conteste…

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030 - Say “Yes, And!” to Long Term Adaptability with Alexander Bolkhovsky 1:13:33

2M ago1:13:33

1:13:33

In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest friends and longtime ExxonMobil leader, Alexander Bolkhovsky, for a deep dive into leadership, motivation, and navigating organizational change. Over his 27-year career with ExxonMobil, Alex has held roles across engineering, technology, sales, and global strategy. But more than the titles, it’s his…

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Ep173 From Demo to Radio - Inside Music Production with Jason Wyatt Kuhn 1:21:20

2M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

In episode 173 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I sit down with Nashville music producer Jason Wyatt Kuhn to talk about the art of recording and producing music. Jason shares his journey from singer and songwriter to becoming a sought-after producer helping both aspiring artists and hobbyist songwriters bring their music to life. We discuss what…

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S2 Ep3: Lan Li - on body maps, meridians, and improvisation 36:26

2M ago36:26

36:26

In this episode, Richard and Mia are joined by Lan Li, professor of the history of medicine at Johns Hopkins University and director of the Online Program in the History of Medicine, to talk about their new book, Body Maps: Improvising Meridians and Nerves in Global Chinese Medicine. Works referenced in the episode: Sean Hsiang-lin Lei, Neither Don…

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029 - Say "Yes, And!" to the Skill of Humor with Andrew Tarvin 55:37

2M ago55:37

55:37

In this episode, I talk with Andrew Tarvin, a longtime friend and fellow improv enthusiast who has built a fascinating career at the intersection of humor and engineering. Andrew shares his journey from computer science to comedy, what it really means to be a “Humor Engineer,” and how he helps individuals and organizations use humor more intentiona…

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Brewing Up Improv, Business, and Big Dreams with Tony DeRosa 1:54:23

2M ago1:54:23

1:54:23

Today on Improvly Speaking, we hear from Tony DeRosa, owner and co-founder of hear.say brewing + theater, a new improv theater and brewery in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tony blends his love of improv with beer, business, and community building, and is sharing it all on today’s episode. Tony's story is a great example of what can happen when you follow yo…

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S2 Ep2: Julia Cummiskey - on virus research in Uganda 40:46

2M ago40:46

40:46

In this episode, Richard and Mia talk to Julia Cummiskey, a professor of the history of medicine right here at Johns Hopkins University. She chats with us about her new book, Virus Research in 20th-Century Uganda: Between Local and Global. For more about the Uganda Virus Research Institute, visit https://www.uvri.go.ug/ For more about the Rakai Hea…

1
028 - Say “Yes, And!” to Creating the Impossible with Melissa Dinwiddie 55:01

2M ago55:01

55:01

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with creativity expert Melissa Dinwiddie. Melissa shares her journey from a Juilliard-trained dancer to a professional artist and creativity instigator. She introduces us to her Create the Impossible framework, which helps individuals and teams harness the power of play, take risks, and le…

1
How to Strengthen, Support, and Fall in Love with Your Voice with Susan Murphy 2:01:08

3M ago2:01:08

2:01:08

What do you think of your voice? If your answer is anything uncertain or negative, you’re definitely not alone. But as this week’s guest on Improvly Speaking proves, your voice isn’t something to cringe about — it’s something you can strengthen, support, and maybe even start to love. Today, we hear from Emmy-winning journalist and broadcast voice c…

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S2 Ep1: Bharat Venkat (Colloquium Mini Episode) - on thermal inequality 17:37

3M ago17:37

17:37

In this mini episode, Richard and Mia talk to Bharat Venkat, a professor of anthropology at UCLA, about the research he presented at the Johns Hopkins Program in the History of Science, Medicine & Technology's colloquium series and his upcoming book project, "Swelter: A History of Our Bodies in a Warming World." Related links for Bharat's work: UCL…

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027 - Say “Yes, And!” to Being SO Productive with Sarah Ohanesian 48:26

3M ago48:26

48:26

In this episode, I chat with Sarah Ohanesian, a productivity expert and the founder of SO Productive. Sarah dives into the concept of purpose-driven productivity, helping us rethink how we manage our time and energy in both our personal and professional lives. She also shares her work around neurodiversity, a topic that’s been gaining much-needed a…

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Exploring Ecstatic Dance, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, and Mindfulness with Dr. Bob Swoap 1:53:13

3M ago1:53:13

1:53:13

Have you ever felt completely lost in the rhythm of music, moving without thinking, and experiencing pure joy? That’s the essence of ecstatic dance – a practice that blends movement, community, and self-expression. In this episode of Improvly Speaking, we hear from Dr. Bob Swoap, Professor of Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy at Warren Wilson …

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Ep172 Q&A playing style - physical limitations - key changes - bar chord techniques - music theory exercises - slowing down music 1:04:30

3M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

In episode 172 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about playing styles, overcoming physical limitations, key changes in songs, barre chord techniques, music theory exercises, slowing down music, and more. Riff Rockers Zoom class details: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/riff-rockers-zoom-class/ Enroll in a free video c…

1
S2: "For the Medical Record" Season 2 Trailer 2:58

3M ago2:58

2:58

We are SO back!! After a brief hiatus, For the Medical Record is back with new hosts, Richard Del Rio and Mia Levenson. For the Medical Record is a Podcast from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Medical Humanities and Social Medicine, hosted by Research Associated Richard Del Rio and Postdoctoral Fellow Mia Levenson. First episode drops on Marc…

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026 - Say "Yes, And!" to Creating a Tip Jar Culture with Greg Offner 51:40

3M ago51:40

51:40

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with Greg Offner, a former dueling piano performer turned keynote speaker, to talk about his unique approach to leadership, employee engagement, and preventing burnout. Greg’s philosophy, highlighted in his book The Tip Jar Culture, draws from his background in music to create an experienc…

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The Value of a Bold Choice: Jesse Greenfield on Starting the Kaleidoscope Training Center 1:35:29

3M ago1:35:29

1:35:29

Jesse Greenfield first appeared on the show nearly a year ago, and so much has changed since then! In this episode of Improvly Speaking, we catch up on their incredible journey, including the launch of their own business, Kaleidoscope Training Center, and our experience facilitating a 2-day Intensive Training Session at the 2024 Art and Science of …

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025 - Say “Yes, And!” to Market Eminence with David Newman 1:00:02

4M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

What if the difference between being a ‘best-kept secret’ and becoming a go-to authority in your industry came down to just three things? In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with David Newman, marketing expert, speaker, and author of Do It! Marketing, Do It! Speaking, and Do It! Selling. David is the founder of Do It! Market…

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The Power of Playback Theatre to Bring People Together with Ferran Luengo 1:51:44

4M ago1:51:44

1:51:44

Ferran Luengo is a Spanish actor, improviser and applied theatre facilitator based in London. He has his postgraduate on theatre in education and Applied theatre master degree. Ferran is passionate about playback theatre, a community oriented improv art form that he has been practicing since 2013. He’s brought playback theatre workshops around seve…

1
Ep171 Q&A Practice Plan-Joe-Bonamassa Rhythm-Take On Me Chords-Numbering Modes-G Chord Fingerings-Best Practice Amp 1:00:53

4M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

In episode 171 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions on a variety of guitar topics, including: 🎸 Assessing your guitar practice plan🎸 Joe Bonamassa’s rhythm guitar playing 🎸 Breaking down the key to "Take on Me" by A-ha 🎸 Understanding mode numbering 🎸 Different ways to finger a G chord and which one is best for you 🎸 Choo…

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024 - Say “Yes, And!” to Being Happy, Healthy, and Present with Elaine Pasqua 49:52

4M ago49:52

49:52

What does it take to create a culture of wellness in our workplaces and our lives? And how do we overcome the 'yes, but' resistance when it comes to making better choices? In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Elaine Pasqua, a speaker who has spent the last 30 years working with universities, corporations, and professional sports teams on we…

1
023 - Say “Yes, And!” to Grategy with Lisa Ryan 54:55

5M ago54:55

54:55

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with Lisa Ryan, a gratitude strategist, speaker, and author of Gear Up for Greatness. Lisa shares her journey of transforming gratitude into a powerful workplace strategy and explains how organizations can use appreciation to retain top talent, build better relationships, and foster thrivi…

1
022 - Solo Episode - Say “Yes, And!” to Experimentation, Not Execution 33:58

5M ago33:58

33:58

In this episode of Yes, And, I dive into the idea of thinking in terms of experimentation, not execution, especially when it comes to reaching big, impossible goals. As professionals, we're often encouraged to follow rigid plans and execute them to perfection. But in a world of constant change, creativity, and uncertainty, sometimes we need to let …

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021 - Say “Yes, And!” to Connecting Through Technology with Roger Courville 1:06:16

5M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

In this episode, I talk to Roger Courville, a virtual events pioneer with over 25 years of experience. Roger shares his journey from the early days of 'internet conferencing' to becoming a recognized expert on adapting in-person interactions to virtual settings. He explains the analyze, map, discover framework, a systematic approach for turning res…

1
020 - Say ‘Yes, And!’ to Setting Impossible Goals 35:11

5M ago35:11

35:11

In this episode, I explore why setting “SMART” goals — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound — might actually be the thing holding you back. While SMART goals are great for achieving incremental progress, they can also make your goals feel like checklists, leading to disengagement and boredom. Instead, I challenge you to set an…

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Ep170 Top Hits of 2024 with Lila 1:28:38

6M ago1:28:38

1:28:38

In episode 170 of the Guitar Music Theory audio podcast, I look back at some of the top songs from 2024 with a very special guest, my 12-year-old daughter, Lila! 🎸 What do you SPECIFICALLY need to do to play guitar better? Answer the questions about your playing at https://www.GuitarMusicTheory.com and get FREE custom video instruction calibrated t…

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019 - Solo Episode - Say “Yes, And!” to Your Persistent ‘Yes, Buts’ 31:11

6M ago31:11

31:11

Happy New Year! In this first solo episode of 2025, I dive into the powerful concept of overcoming the "persistent yes, but" that so often holds us back from pursuing our goals and dreams - how small mental roadblocks can prevent us from taking meaningful action and shares a framework for transforming those "yes, buts" into "yes, ands." Learn how r…

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018 - Solo Episode - Say ”Yes, And!” To Hallmark Christmas Movies 1:21:21

6M ago1:21:21

1:21:21

In this holiday special of Yes And, I’m stepping away from the usual format to share something fun and festive. I’m dropping in a full episode of my old podcast, In a World of...Improvised Movie Homages, where we played improv games to parody different movie genres. This one’s all about the magic of Hallmark Christmas movies—their charm, predictabi…

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017 - Solo Episode - Say “Yes, And!” to Being Present 23:34

6M ago23:34

23:34

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I dive into the critical yet often overlooked skill of being present. Whether you're in a leadership role, working with coworkers, or navigating personal relationships, being fully present in the moment is the key to effective communication, emotional management, and fostering positive outcomes in ch…

1
Ep169 Good Christmas Songs to Learn 51:54

7M ago51:54

51:54

In episode 169 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I review some Christmas song guitar lessons I’ve previously posted on YouTube. These lessons feature great Christmas songs to learn, and I’ll break down the nuggets of music theory wisdom each one provides. Topics include passing chords, chord melody, playing in sixths, and more. Join the email lis…

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016 - Say “Yes, And” to Workplace Conflict (and Collaboration) with David Dye 55:27

7M ago55:27

55:27

In this episode of "Yes, And with Avish Parashar," I chat with David Dye, President of Let's Grow Leaders and co-author of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." David shares his insights on how to transform workplace conflict into constructive conversations. We explore key phrases that can help you navigate difficult discussions, …

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015 - Solo Episode: Say “Yes, And!” to Uncertainty 20:23

7M ago20:23

20:23

In this solo episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I’m diving deeper into a key theme from my conversation with DEI expert Jess Pettitt: stepping into uncertainty. I’ll explain how embracing uncertainty—not only in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work but in life—can lead to creativity, growth, and positive change. I also share an improv …

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014 - Say “Yes, And!” to “Good Enough” with Jess Pettitt 55:12

7M ago55:12

55:12

In this episode of "Yes, And with Avish Parashar," I welcome the insightful Jess Pettitt, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) speaker, author, and consultant. With nearly two decades of experience, Jess has empowered countless individuals and organizations to embrace inclusivity while navigating the complexities of human interaction with humor…

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Adulting on Your Own Terms Pt 3 - Vision = Goals + Body Cues + Community 15:35

7M ago15:35

15:35

Send us a text ILP: Adulting on Your Own Terms Pt 3 Lori discusses a framework for achieving a fulfilling adult life, emphasizing that vision = goals + body cues + community. She explains how setting clear, achievable goals, such as reducing overwhelmed days or minimizing food waste, can help manage expectations and improve daily life. Body cues, l…

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013 - Solo Episode: Say “Yes, And!” to Creatively Using AI 42:35

7M ago42:35

42:35

Do you consider yourself creative? Whether you’re an artist, a professional, or someone who thinks they “just aren’t creative,” this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I dive into the true essence of creativity and show how everyone can access their own creative genius. Building on last week’s conversation with Dan Nestle about AI, I share h…

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012 - Say “Yes, And” to Communication and A.I. with Dan Nestle 1:01:28

8M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Are you using storytelling in your work? Are you using AI tools? If you answered “no” to either of those question, you need this episode! If you answered “yes,” to both of them, you should still listen as you may gain more insight and ideas on how you can do both more effectively. My guest on this week’s episode is Dan Nestle. Dan is an award-winni…

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011 - Solo Episode - Say “Yes, And!” to Vulnerability 39:44

8M ago39:44

39:44

In this solo episode, I dive deeper into the idea of psychological safety, building on my conversation with Jason Eisner from last week. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, I highly recommend checking it out for a foundational understanding of how a psychologically safe environment can drive team performance and innovation. Join me as I re…

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Ep168 Q&A - New Coaching Program - Bass Playing - Playing with Confidence - Running with the Devil - 3/4 vs 6/8 - Cover Band Setlist 1:05:54

8M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

In episode 168 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I announce my new coaching program and answer listener questions about bass playing, playing with confidence, the difference between 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures, my old cover band setlist, and the song "Runnin' with the Devil" by Van Halen. Are you ready to invest in a structured coaching program t…

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Adulting on Your Own Terms Pt 2 - Refresh with Your Ideal Day 10:04

8M ago10:04

10:04

Send us a text In this episode of the Improviding Life Podcast, Lori explores the concept of redefining "adulting" to align with personal values and desires. She encourages listeners to envision their ideal day, using a tool called "A to C" to delve deeper into their thoughts. Lori emphasizes the shift from a rigid vision board to a mood board, foc…

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010 - Say “Yes, And!” to Psychological Safety with Jason Eisner 1:00:12

8M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of psychological safety and its profound impact on workplace culture. Join me as I chat with Jason Eisner of Aristotle Performance (along with a number of other cool businesses), who specializes in fostering environments where team members feel safe to express their ideas, share concerns, and admit mis…

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