Best Ditch Digger Podcasts (2025)

1
552: From Ditch Digger to 9-Figure CEO: Building a Business That Runs Without You 42:12

7h ago42:12

42:12

What if your company’s success depends less on what you build and more on what your people are chasing? For Ken Rusk, digging ditches became the foundation for building something far more valuable: a company where employees don’t just show up to work — they show up for their lives. In this episode, I speak with Ken Rusk, nine-figure entrepreneur an…

1
#119 Why the Best Outsourcing Isn’t Really Outsourced w/ Jose Herrera, CEO & Co-Founder, Horatio 1:16:21

13d ago1:16:21

1:16:21

Download Gary’s 13 Keys to Creating a Multi-Million Dollar Business from https://www.DitchDiggerCEO.com/ Jose Herrera (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseherrerap/) is the CEO and Co-Founder of Horatio. Horatio is the trusted partner for some of the fastest-growing startups and enterprises in the world. Their on-brand customer support teams help them …

1
[DD] Navigating Agents, Rights, and Reality 55:01

21d ago55:01

55:01

"If you can tolerate the boring and lonely, then hopefully you'll be rewarded on the other side." - Ursula Vernon In this episode of Ditch Diggers, Mur and Ursula navigate the chaotic world of freelancing, taxes, and the ups and downs of being a writer. They discuss the recent Hugo nominations (two for Ursula, one for Mur!), share insights into the…

1
Minute 92: Madonna with Swedish Meatballs 52:24

11h ago52:24

52:24

Inga from Sweden arrives wearing the wrong clothes, but somehow that's okay. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com

1
How to Ditch Contrived Dialogue for Good 12:41

4d ago12:41

12:41

Are your characters saying all the right things—but somehow it still feels off? Contrived dialogue is one of the fastest ways to pull your reader or viewer out of the story. Whether you're a novelist or a screenwriter, when your dialogue feels stiff, forced, or unnatural, it kills immersion and weakens emotional impact. The worst part? You might no…

1
551: Microsoft Director on How to Empower Anyone to Innovate 51:26

5d ago51:26

51:26

What if the key to driving real innovation isn’t genius, but orchestration? Innovation is often seen as the domain of visionaries or tech geniuses. But in this episode, JoAnn Garbin, former Director of Innovation at Microsoft Cloud and co-author of The Insider’s Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, shows that true innovation is a craft: one grounded i…

1
550: Artist, Leader, and Yale Fellow Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir on Rethinking Leadership Through Intuition and Inner Clarity 58:26

7d ago58:26

58:26

What if the leadership edge you’re looking for doesn’t come from working harder, but listening deeper? We talk often about productivity, performance, and pushing through. But few conversations explore the quieter forces shaping our best decisions, like intuition. In this episode, I speak with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, a director, writer, systems thin…

1
Minute 91: Saved by ChatGPT 50:43

7d ago50:43

50:43

Coleman arrives as a priest who loves whiskey and avoiding farting, and AI turns out to be our number one fan. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com…

1
Goal Diggers: Characters Who Actually Do Stuff 19:45

11d ago19:45

19:45

Ever feel like your story should be working — but something’s just... off? Chances are, your characters are missing the one thing that drives truly compelling fiction: a clear, active goal. In this episode, we dig into why so many screenplays and novels lose steam, how to spot the silent killer of narrative momentum, and what your character really …

1
549: Anesthesiologist and Reality TV Star on How to Stop Chasing Perfection and Embrace Connection 52:49

12d ago52:49

52:49

Dr. Tiffany Moon isn’t just breaking stereotypes — she’s rewriting the script. In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Moon — board-certified anesthesiologist, founder of Aromasthesia, and former cast member of Bravo’s Real Housewives — opens up about what it really takes to balance ambition, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and public scrutiny. From immigrating…

1
548: Experiencing The American Dream with Mark Matson 59:03

14d ago59:03

59:03

What if the financial advice you trust is actually hurting your future? Mark Matson believes it is, and he has the data to prove it. In this episode, I sit down with Mark Matson, founder of Matson Money and a pioneer in the evidence-based investing movement. With over $10 billion in assets under management, Mark has helped thousands of families and…

1
Minute 90: Beef Jerky Time 1:03:52

14d ago1:03:52

1:03:52

God, this one's long! But that's because we have to figure out the economy, physics, prostitution, and everything else on this bill of lading. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute…

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547: First African American Astronaut to Walk in Space on Lessons from His Missions and Embracing Infinite Possibilities 56:44

19d ago56:44

56:44

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 547, an interview with Bernard Harris, an astronaut, physician, venture capitalist, philanthropist, and author of Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential. In this episode, Bernard Harris, the first African American astronaut to walk in space, shares his experiences and d…

1
546: Renowned Experts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener on Radical Listening 54:31

21d ago54:31

54:31

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 546, an interview with the authors of Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener. Most conversations barely scratch the surface, because true connection isn’t just about hearing words, it’s about listening with purpose and presence. In this episode,…

1
Minute 89: G. Gordon Liddy's "The Monkey Handlers" 55:10

21d ago55:10

55:10

Merry New Year, everyone. Celebrate by mocking a gorilla. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com

1
545: CIA Hacker to Tech Entrepreneur: How Cybersecurity Can Make or Break Your Business 54:49

26d ago54:49

54:49

From CIA hacker to cybersecurity advisor to a U.S. President. Now trusted by Fortune 500 companies, international banks, and leaders like Bill Gates. (And he almost missed the CIA meeting... because it was raining.) "Something told me, it was a Thursday afternoon. ... and something told me, you have to go to the co-op office today. You have to go t…

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544: Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review on the Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift 50:20

28d ago50:20

50:20

What can a $2B concert tour teach us about business strategy? Quite a lot. We often speak about innovation and reinvention in the corporate world. Yet, few embody it as consistently and successfully as the artist and strategist Taylor Swift. In this episode, I spoke with Kevin Evers, Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review and author of There’s No…

1
[DD] Weeping Bunkers and Writing Woes; Surviving the Creative Chaos 41:15

28d ago41:15

41:15

"Sometimes the best way to survive is to turn everything into hilarity." - Ursula Vernon Transcript S.11 Ep.2 In this episode of Ditch Diggers, join hosts Mur and Ursula as they navigate the chaotic world of freelancing, taxes, and the ups and downs of being a writer. They discuss the recent Hugo nominations, share insights into their creative proc…

1
Minute 88: Chekov's Ape Suit 49:47

28d ago49:47

49:47

Oh my God, we're on the train all of a sudden. Get ready for the movie to hit its comedic peak! Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com…

1
Unveiling Depths: The Secrets to Engaging Characters 30:25

1M ago30:25

30:25

Click to listen – your characters (and audience) will thank you. Have you ever created a character that felt… flat? No matter how detailed the backstory or how polished the prose, something just doesn’t click — and worse, your audience doesn’t care. That’s the pain point. And we’ve all been there. In this episode, we dig into why your characters mi…

1
543: Co-founder of Peak 360 Wealth Management on Understanding Embodied Wealth 50:53

1M ago50:53

50:53

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 543, an interview with the author of The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money, Elizabeth Husserl. Many people chase wealth as a number, but the truth is that true wealth is more than just money in the bank. In this episode, Elizabeth challenges common assumptions about financial success and…

1
542: Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price on the Psychology of Leadership 48:00

1M ago48:00

48:00

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 542, an interview with the author The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless principles to improve your management of individuals, teams… and yourself!, Sébastien Page. Ever wondered what truly drives successful leaders and how psychology plays a role? In this episode with Sébastien Page, we explore the habits, mindse…

1
Minute 87: Pay Phone Etiquette 39:41

1M ago39:41

39:41

Our heroes figure out the Dukes' scheme and plan to stop them, or better yet, beat them to it. Plus there's eggnog and cussing. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com…

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541: One of the World’s Leading Management Thinkers on Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI 46:53

1M ago46:53

46:53

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 541, an interview with the author of Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI, Faisal Hoque. In this episode, Faisal shares his journey from his early days developing software to becoming a business leader focused on strategy and impact. Faisal talks about how Eastern philosophy, particularly Buddhism, influ…

1
540: Finding Meaning at Work with Positive Psychologists, Wes Adams and Tamara Myles 53:38

1M ago53:38

53:38

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 540, an interview with the authors of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee, Wes Adams and Tamara Myles. What makes work truly meaningful, and how can leaders create it? In this episode, Tamara Miles and Wes Adams, researchers and positive psychologists, have studied how leaders …

1
Minute 86: Ginger Braker?? 47:28

1M ago47:28

47:28

Gun cleaning, salad eating, and sage advice are all interrupted by television, as usual. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com

1
539: The 80/20 CEO on Guiding Your Business from Panic to Profit 52:33

2M ago52:33

52:33

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 539, an interview with the author of From Panic to Profit: Uncover Value, Boost Revenue, and Grow Your Business with the 80/20 Principle, Bill Canady. In this episode, Bill shares insights from his military background and how it shaped his leadership approach. Bill explains his Profitable Growth Operating System (…

1
538: Industrial/Organizational Psychologist on Leading for Wellness 48:31

2M ago48:31

48:31

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 538, an interview with the coauthor of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives, Patricia Grabarek. In this episode, Patricia talks about why workplace wellness matters and why it’s important to have a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional health. She expl…

1
Minute 85: Turns Out It Was the Dukes 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

It was just a dream! But that doesn't stop Louis from trying to strangle Billy Ray to death. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com…

1
Heroes vs Anti-Heroes: The Battle You Didn’t Know You Were Writing 22:34

2M ago22:34

22:34

Ever wondered if your character is truly a hero or just a morally questionable anti-hero? The lines are blurrier than you think, and it's time to get clear on the difference. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into the world of heroes and anti-heroes, breaking down their key differences and exploring the moral complexities that make them tick. Is you…

1
537: Ex-Google Exec on Breaking the Unwritten Rules 50:50

2M ago50:50

50:50

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 537, an interview with the author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, Jenny Wood. In this episode, Jenny discusses her career journey and the key skills that helped her rise from an entry-level role to an executive over 18 years. She also discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, being strategic with…

1
536: NYU Grossman School of Medicine's Joel Salinas on the Science and Art of Coming Together in a Conflicted World 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 536, an interview with the coauthor of Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In, Joel Salinas, MD. In this episode, Joel Salinas talks about conflict resilience and how our brain reacts to disagreements. He explains how loneliness affects health, how conflicts activate pain-rela…

1
Minute 84: Brought to You by Trader Joes 46:30

2M ago46:30

46:30

Louis almost does himself in with a bunch of pills, but then wakes in his own bed from a dream about a sandwich of Trader Joe's roast turkey, Trader Joe's gouda, with Trader Joe's aioli mustard on a Trader Joe's ciabatta roll and a side of Trader Joe's Crunchy Pops. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dit…

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535: Former Time Editor on Being Richer, Wiser, and Happier 1:05:33

2M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 535, an interview with the author of Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life, William Green. In this episode, William Green talks about his journey from Oxford to becoming a renowned journalist. He shares stories of his unconventional career path, including impulsive move…

1
534: The Science of Personal Power: How to Command Influence, Overcome Doubt, and Lead with Confidence 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 534, an interview with the author of The Science of Personal Power: How to Build Confidence, Create Success, and Obtain Freedom, Chris Lipp. Powerful people operate with a fundamentally different mindset. While others seek approval and dodge accountability, influential individuals take ownership and remain anchore…

1
Minute 83: Such a Truck 38:51

2M ago38:51

38:51

Louis fails to shoot himself but succeeds in leading Billy Ray to Ophelia's apartment. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com

1
The Real Inciting Incident: Why It’s More Than Just Big Events 21:35

2M ago21:35

21:35

Are you struggling to differentiate the inciting incident from your character’s "normal world" in your story? Many writers confuse the two, leading to confusion in their plot structure and weak storytelling. In this episode, we break down the difference between your character's everyday actions and the pivotal moment that launches them into the adv…

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533: 3x Emmy Award-Winning ESPN Broadcaster on Being Audacious 49:42

2M ago49:42

49:42

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 533, an interview with the author of Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win, Anne Marie Anderson. In this episode, Anne Marie Anderson shared her journey from being rejected by ESPN at 21 to working there for 35 years and becoming one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in th…

1
532: Positive Psychology Expert on Setting Big Goals and Creating Your Best Life 49:24

2M ago49:24

49:24

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 532, an interview with the author of Big Goals: The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, and Creating Your Best Life, Caroline Adams Miller. In this episode, Caroline takes us through her journey of overcoming personal challenges to becoming an expert in positive psychology and goal setting. She breaks down wh…

1
Minute 82: Anatomy of a Salmon 29:52

2M ago29:52

29:52

Louis pulls a salmon out of his Santa suit and eats it on a bus. Or does he?? Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com

1
531: Harvard Law Professor on Negotiation: Making ‘Messy Conversations’ Work for You 52:36

3M ago52:36

52:36

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 531, an interview with the author of Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In, Bob Bordone. Most of us instinctively avoid conflict, seeing it as a threat rather than an opportunity for growth. What if the conversations you dread most could actually strengthen your relationships…

1
530: Bill Gates & Steve Ballmer’s Direct Advisor: Leadership, Self-Management, and Life Lessons 45:46

3M ago45:46

45:46

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 530, an interview with a seasoned executive coach and the author of You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need), Sabina Nawaz. In this episode, Sabina shares her journey from software development at Microsoft to advising C-level executives. She explains the dangers of pressure overpowering…

1
Minute 81: The Ringdinger 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

Billy Ray works his way through a city of Santas, while the one he's looking for gets on a bus. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com…

1
Pressure of Perfection: When Your Story Won’t Speak (& Your Characters Don’t Either) 18:34

3M ago18:34

18:34

Feeling like you have to land on the perfect idea can often freeze you in your tracks. What do you do when it seems like every idea isn’t good enough? How do you keep moving forward when the pressure to create the perfect story is overwhelming? You’ve probably heard other writers talk about their characters “speaking” to them, but what happens when…

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529: Founder of Education Design Lab on ‘Who Needs College Anymore?’ 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 529, an interview with the author of Who Needs College Anymore?, Kathleen deLaski. In this episode, Kathleen shares her journey from journalism to education reform. She talks about her time as a TV and digital journalist, White House correspondent, and Pentagon spokesperson, as well as her transition to education …

1
#118 AI, Learning, and the Future of Work: Staying Ahead of the Curve w/ David Blake, Co-founder & CEO, Degreed 1:12:01

3M ago1:12:01

1:12:01

Download Gary’s 13 Keys to Creating a Multi-Million Dollar Business from https://www.DitchDiggerCEO.com/ David Blake (https://degreed.com/) is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Degreed. Millions of individuals and hundreds of organizations use Degreed’s platform to discover and answer for all of their learning and skills. Prior to Degreed, h…

1
528: Kellogg’s JP Pawliw-Fry on Aggressive Learning, the Last 8%, and Training Attention 43:45

3M ago43:45

43:45

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 528, an interview with the author of Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing your Best When it Matters Most, JP Pawliw-Fry. In this episode, JP walks us through the concept of pressure management—how to reduce pressure in our personal and professional lives to better excel in whatever we do. He also discus…

1
Minute 80: Greetings from Santa 55:07

3M ago55:07

55:07

Now knowing the truth of the Duke's scheme, Billy Ray chases after a drunken Santa Louis. Patreon: www.patreon.com/ditchdiggers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchdiggerslistenershole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditchdiggerspodcasts Find out more at http://tradingplacesminute.com…

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