Best Dr. Tietjen Podcasts (2025)

1
Building a Culture of Care & Navigating Conflict with Sarah Jamison (Part 2) 13:01

20h ago13:01

13:01

In Part 2 of this insightful conversation, Evolving to Exceptional host Jessica Tietjen and guest Sarah Jamison go even deeper—exploring how self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and emotional intelligence are essential tools for preventing conflict and fostering connection at work. Sarah also shares her powerful personal story of resilience, …

1
Building a Culture of Care & Navigating Conflict with Sarah Jamison (Part 1) 26:25

8d ago26:25

26:25

Description: In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes Sarah Jamison, Vice President of Human Resources at a local St. Louis nonprofit and international bestselling author. Together, they explore the growing mental health challenges impacting workplaces and why cultivating a true culture of care is no longer optional…

1
Rethinking Compensation: What Today’s Workforce Really Values with Jeff Ilko (Part 2) 25:53

15d ago25:53

25:53

Description: In this second part of a powerful two-part conversation, Jessica Tietjen sits down with Jeff Ilko, VP of People + Performance at Switch, go beyond the numbers to explore how compensation, culture, and flexibility are reshaping the modern workplace. It’s no longer just about salaries and benefits—today's workforce is demanding meaningfu…

1
Rethinking Compensation: What Today’s Workforce Really Values with Jeff Ilko (Part 1) 16:09

22d ago16:09

16:09

Description: In this first part of a powerful two-part conversation, Jessica Tietjen sits down with Jeff Ilko, VP of People + Performance at Switch, to explore the evolving landscape of compensation and benefits in today’s workplace. They dive into the real-world challenges HR leaders face in staying competitive while honoring employee needs, inclu…

1
132- Gibson Designer Guitars - Explorer, Flying V, Firebird (Barber) 49:11

25d ago49:11

49:11

I remember seeing the Edge and James Hetfield with an Explorer. Billy Gibbons and Jimi Hendrix with a Flying V. Johnny Winter and Allen Collins with a Firebird… Such fascinating tones from such fascinating players. Of course I wouldn’t call these guitars traditional by any stretch of the imagination. Simply put… they look awkward, clunky, and like …

1
Unleashing Human Potential at Work: What Pets Can Teach Us About Leadership & Culture with Melissa Paulitsch 43:33

29d ago43:33

43:33

In this inspiring episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Melissa Paulitsch, Human Resources Director at Kennelwood Pet Resorts, to explore the unexpected connections between pet care and people leadership. Melissa shares her unique journey into the pet industry and how her passion for animals has shaped her approach…

1
131- Frontman vs Side Player (Lloyd) 58:20

1M ago58:20

58:20

Nothing can beat a charismatic frontman. Then again, there are some Side Players that give them a run for their money. I mean… who is Bono without Edge? Freddie Mercury without Brian May? Roth or Haggar without Eddie Van Halen? Robert Plant without Jimmy Page? Anthony Kiedis without John Frusciante? Bon Scott or Brian Johnson without Angus & Malcol…

1
Beyond Reviews: Rethinking Performance Conversations with Ryan McCrea 47:35

1M ago47:35

47:35

In this week’s episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes back Ryan McCrea for a deep dive into one of the most pressing workplace topics of 2025: revolutionizing performance management. Referencing the latest findings from the Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends Report, Jessica and Ryan explore: Why traditional annual perfo…

1
130- Guitar Shows (Owen) 52:57

1M ago52:57

52:57

I am fortunate enough to live in an area that not only has amazing guitar shops, but 1-2 times a year guitar shops from around the nation will come to buy, sell, trade, and showcase musical gear all under 1 roof. Occasionally you’ll see a celebrity. Get a chance to listen to some live music. And possibly touch a true holy grail piece. I grew up goi…

1
Leading Through Chaos: Resilience and Insight from the Nonprofit Frontlines with Dr. Debbie Regnaud 47:01

1M ago47:01

47:01

In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Dr. Debbie Regnaud, Vice President of Human Resources at Unleashing Potential, to explore the real-world challenges of leading in the nonprofit sector during times of uncertainty. Drawing from decades of HR experience, Dr. Regnaud shares: How financial instability uniqu…

1
Breaking the Cycle: Rhoda Banks on Trauma & Triumph (Part 2) 44:13

2M ago44:13

44:13

In this powerful continuation of our conversation, Evolving to Exceptional host Jessica Tietjen welcomes back Rhoda Banks—culture and inclusion executive and author of Daughter of an Assassin—to dive deeper into the intersection of trauma, leadership, and workplace dynamics. Rhoda bravely shares how her past trauma showed up in her professional lif…

1
Breaking the Cycle: Rhoda Banks on Trauma & Triumph (Part 1) 14:55

2M ago14:55

14:55

In this powerful episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Rhoda Banks—culture and inclusion executive, speaker, and author of the new memoir Daughter of an Assassin. Rhoda shares her remarkable life story, growing up in St. Louis in a household shaped by trauma and contradiction. Through vulnerability and …

1
The Capacity Collapse: Why Organizations Must Rethink How They Support Their People 13:28

2M ago13:28

13:28

Feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or running on empty at work? You're not alone — and it's not just personal. It's systemic. In this powerful episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast, host Jessica Tietjen unpacks the concept of “capacity collapse”—a hidden epidemic quietly draining the energy, engagement, and effectiveness of today’s w…

1
Confusion Causes Chaos: Why Our Brains Need Clarity 15:55

3M ago15:55

15:55

Description: In today's world of constant change and uncertainty, clarity isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. In this episode, we dive into why our brains crave clarity, how chaos and confusion impact our decision-making, and how overwhelm disrupts our head, heart, and gut intelligences. You’ll learn how our brains fill in the gaps with biases and p…

1
Right People, Right Goals NOT Right People, Right Roles 7:42

3M ago7:42

7:42

In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, we explore why it’s time to evolve from the outdated “right people in the right roles” mindset to a more agile and effective strategy: “right people, right goals.” As roles become harder to define in today’s dynamic work environment, organizations must focus on individual strengths, personaliz…

1
I’m fine. It’s fine. It’s all fine. 8:33

4M ago8:33

8:33

In this powerful and personal episode, Jessica unpacks the subconscious survival patterns that activate during times of stress, crisis, and emotional overwhelm. Rooted in our earliest life experiences, these patterns often run automatically—guiding how we respond, react, and cope without conscious awareness. Through the lens of a recent family medi…

1
Calling on the Conscious Human Beings 12:31

4M ago12:31

12:31

Are you feeling overwhelmed by chaos and confusion? Wondering how to stay grounded and make wise, conscious decisions amidst it all? In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, Jessica Tietjen delivers a powerful call to action for conscious leaders, growth-minded individuals, and anyone craving clarity and connection in today’s unpredi…

1
People Are Paralyzed by Fear 19:09

4M ago19:09

19:09

In today’s episode, we explore an emerging and concerning trend: people expressing hesitation or fear of speaking openly due to potential job repercussions and the current cultural climate. We dive deep into why this fear exists and how it reflects broader issues surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Our conversation …

1
Easily Triggered to React? The Wise Choose to Consciously Respond Instead 14:49

4M ago14:49

14:49

How do you move from reacting impulsively to responding with clarity and wisdom? In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen explores how chronic stress lowers our trigger tolerance, leading to unconscious reactions shaped by past experiences. Inspired by a recent SHRM webinar, Jessica shares: -How past patterns influence your …

1
Finding Safety in Stress: How to Regulate Your Nervous System and Overcome Survival Mode 13:12

4M ago13:12

13:12

How do you find safety when the world feels unpredictable? In this episode, host Jessica Tietjen explores how stress, trauma, and uncertainty impact our nervous system—triggering fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. You’ll learn: How gut intelligence influences decision-making & emotional regulation Practical tools like balanced breathing & so…

1
Labeling Humans as Good or Bad is Unhelpful and Unhealthy 16:27

5M ago16:27

16:27

In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen explores the harmful effects of labeling people as simply "good" or "bad." Inspired by her book Good Choice, Bad Choice, Jessica explains how shifting our focus from labels to choices can improve leadership, relationships, and personal growth. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: -Why black…

1
Building Connected Cultures in a Remote Work Environment with Tarry Gerling (Part 2) 19:48

5M ago19:48

19:48

Description: In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, host Jessica Tietjen and guest, Tarry Gerling, explore how gut intelligence influences our core identity, self-preservation instincts, and leadership behaviors. They break down common misconceptions about emotional intelligence, the hidden costs of inauthenticity in the workplace, and why trust …

1
Building Connected Cultures in a Remote Work Environment with Tarry Gerling (Part 1) 34:33

5M ago34:33

34:33

Description: In this week's episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, host Jessica Tietjen welcomes HR expert Tarry Gerling to discuss the intricacies of building a connected and productive culture in a fully remote work environment. As organizations face the challenge of transitioning back to office spaces, Tarry shares his insights on how t…

1
My Year-End Review: Reflecting on My Year of Growth 9:34

5M ago9:34

9:34

Join host Jessica Tietjen in this week's episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast as she delves into her unique year-end review for 2024. Jessica shares her profound insights, reflecting on the challenges and unexpected events that marked her year. Using her REAL Reflection technique, Jessica explores how inner growth and personal transformat…

1
The Darkness of December: Frozen by Fear 16:06

6M ago16:06

16:06

Struggling with seasonal depression, emotional triggers, or past trauma resurfacing in December? You're not alone. In this deeply personal episode, host Jessica Tietjen shares her experience with the freeze response, nervous system dysregulation, and trauma patterns that made December an incredibly difficult time. Jessica explores how unconscious t…

1
Ensuring Your Values are Visible 19:06

6M ago19:06

19:06

In this episode of the 'Evolving to Exceptional' podcast, host Jessica Tietjen delves into the importance of understanding and articulating personal values in an ever-changing and chaotic world. She discusses the alarming recent events that highlight the need for strong values, the distinction between values and desires, and how values shape our ac…

1
Dear CEOs: How are you right now? 13:02

6M ago13:02

13:02

In this week's episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, host Jessica Tietjen delivers a powerful message to CEOs, executive leaders, and board members. Inspired by the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, she urges leaders to reflect on their roles and responsibilities amid growing societal frustration. Jessica explores the emotional and psyc…

1
129- 2024 Premier Guitar Mystery Stocking (Jason) 1:09:04

7M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

This has been a fun annual event to do each year. I enjoy the anticipation, the fun in the forums, and the chance to get something I normally would not pick out myself. I would also say that I am a consumer of Premier Guitar’s content and for me this is a small way to support what they do. Of course, not all people feel this way. Many believe it to…

1
Breaking Barriers: Cultural Intelligence in a Polarized World with Dr. Amy Narishkin (Part 2) 23:51

7M ago23:51

23:51

Part 2 of a two-part episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast. Join host Jessica Tietjen as she welcomes Dr. Amy Narishkin, an expert in cultural intelligence. In a world struggling with polarization and difficult conversations, Amy shares her compelling journey and expertise in guiding leaders to become confident communicators. From discussi…

1
Breaking Barriers: Cultural Intelligence in a Polarized World with Dr. Amy Narishkin (Part 1) 26:50

7M ago26:50

26:50

Part 1 of a two-part episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast. Join host Jessica Tietjen as she welcomes Dr. Amy Narishkin, an expert in cultural intelligence. In a world struggling with polarization and difficult conversations, Amy shares her compelling journey and expertise in guiding leaders to become confident communicators. From discussi…

1
The Strength of Community: Evolving Leaders from Within with Lynell Shattls 37:58

7M ago37:58

37:58

Description: In this episode of 'Evolving to Exceptional,' host Jessica Tietjen welcomes leadership and executive coach Lynell Shattls. They discuss the critical role of community for leaders and individuals, especially in today's often isolating world. Lynell shares her extensive background in coaching mid-level leaders, her approach to whole-pers…

1
128- Are You A Guitar Player or Collector (Jason) 1:08:55

8M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

As you just heard in the intro, Jason is now a licensed therapist in Texas. Although this podcast has never been about true scientific therapy and the advice here was never meant to treat anything but an entertainment deficiency. My hope was always that you left here encouraged, happier, and motivated to be a better person and musician… then in whi…

1
Do you ever feel like quitting? 10:33

8M ago10:33

10:33

In this episode of the 'Evolving to Exceptional' podcast, the host delves into the overwhelming feeling of wanting to quit and the importance of confronting emotions head-on. Sharing a personal experience of emotional breakdown and the vital role of compassionate witnesses, the episode emphasizes the necessity of community and support systems in pe…

1
What Drives Change in Long-Standing Organizations? 39:26

8M ago39:26

39:26

In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, host Jessica Tietjen explores effective strategies for driving change within established organizations with special guest Derek Temper, Vice President of Human Resources at Gateway Dealer Network. Derek, an HR leader with extensive cross-industry experience, shares real-world insights on busin…

1
Navigating the Election Results & Finding Our Way to Fulfillment (Eliminating Extremism Part 2) 19:17

8M ago19:17

19:17

In this special episode, Jessica Tietjen delves into the complexities of eliminating extremism by sharing personal stories, including her grandfather's legacy in navigating religious divides, and emphasizing the importance of moderation, empathy, and healthy debate. Reflecting on recent election results, she explores how we can better engage in mea…

1
Unlocking Manager Potential: Psychological Safety, Engagement, and the Neuroscience of Leadership 45:22

8M ago45:22

45:22

Description: In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast, host Jessica Tietjen is joined by global HR leader Monica Lummus to dive into the unique challenges and opportunities facing middle managers in today’s hybrid and remote work environments. Monica, a seasoned HR business partner at Brillio, shares insights from her extensive experi…

1
Building a People-Centric Culture 39:54

8M ago39:54

39:54

Description: In this episode of the Evolving To Exceptional Podcast, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Lus Haberberger, CEO of Lusco Technologies, to trace her inspiring journey from Caracas to the helm of a leading engineering firm specializing in electric utilities. Lus opens up about her experiences balancing motherhood with the challenges of …

1
Eliminating Extremism: Wise Decision-Making for Elections 26:33

9M ago26:33

26:33

Description: In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional podcast, host Jessica Tietjen discusses the pressing issue of extremism, particularly in the context of the upcoming U.S. elections. She elaborates on the definition of extremism, its historical examples, and the human tendencies that make extremism appealing. Jessica emphasizes the import…

1
Embracing Authentic Communication 39:30

9M ago39:30

39:30

Description: Welcome to the "Evolving To Exceptional Podcast," where today we delve into the power of authentic communication in executive leadership with our insightful guest, Michelle Foster. Michelle, the owner of Small Potatoes Communications, brings a wealth of experience in helping senior leaders and executives effectively convey strategies a…

1
Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Safety in Modern Leadership 47:46

9M ago47:46

47:46

Description: In this episode of Evolving to Exceptional, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Ryan McCrea, Head of Learning and Leadership Development at Ameren, to explore the critical importance of emotional intelligence and psychological safety in today's leadership landscape. With 20 years of HR experience and a background in industrial-organiza…

1
Building Trust and Emotional Intelligence in the Manufacturing Workplace 41:16

9M ago41:16

41:16

Description: In this episode of the "Evolving to Exceptional Podcast," host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Christina Siewert, HR and Talent Development Director at American Plastics, to explore the challenges and opportunities in talent development within the manufacturing industry. Christina shares her insights on emotional intelligence, leadershi…

1
127- Passion to Paycheck (John) 1:11:52

10M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

We all have passions. When I was a kid I loved playing sports and collecting baseball and football cards. As a young adult I was into playing guitar and music. Now as a middle age adult I love being with my wife and kids. Teaching and learning. Being in the music industry. And obviously I love collecting, playing, and fixing guitars. Of course not …

1
Breaking Traditional Hierarchies for High-Performance Cultures with Jason Herman 41:53

10M ago41:53

41:53

Description: In this episode, we dive into the future of performance management with special guest Jason Herman, a veteran HR leader with over 20 years of experience in organizational development and performance improvement. Together, we explore the shift from traditional performance ratings systems to more dynamic and growth-centered approaches. J…

1
126- Glories of a Stratocaster (Chris) 1:06:50

10M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

Back in 1954, Leo Fender once again created a guitar that would revolutionize popular music. Although many changes have occurred over the last 7 decades… at the heart of it… the Stratocaster is still just as revolutionary today as it was back then. Of course it has been a long journey since then. In 1965 the headstock was enlarged. In 1971 the 3 bo…

1
125- Lifest 2024 (Owen & Eli) 1:15:22

11M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Every year I talk about how this festival feels like a family reunion and this year was no exception. It’s not just because I get to see my normal Tweed Couch Buddies and not just because I get to perform music with my bandmates. It is because of the bond we share because of our desire to see this Christ centered event be successful. Of course, muc…

1
124- Tasty Delay... ay... ay... ay (Barber) 1:04:12

1y ago1:04:12

1:04:12

There is something cool about the delay effect on guitar. Sometimes you need a little to add size. Sometimes you need a lot to add texture. Sometimes you need to go backwards or wobbly to do something completely different. Of course delay isn’t perfect… and it could cover your sloppy playing but really… when done right… It's one of the best ways to…

1
123- Issues With Reissues (Lloyd) 1:05:05

1y ago1:05:05

1:05:05

There is a reason why we fall in love with the tones of songs from decades ago. The player, the phrasing, the technique, the gear. All of this ignites and inspires a guitar player. Of course that gear has become harder and harder to obtain as time goes on. Plexi’s to JCM’s. Tweed to Silverface. Burst Les Paul to Korina Explorer. Pre-CBS Tele to Gru…

1
122- Unused Gear... Skeletons In The Closet (Barber) 59:09

1y ago59:09

59:09

Some trade their gear in and trade up. Others sell their unwanted stuff off to finance other endeavors. Some feel the clutter and just want to regain space and sanity. Of course you never know if you might need that gear again. And most of the time, selling it off is actually more of a hassle than it's worth. Then again the ROI is often lower and y…

1
121- Love & Hate of Gibson Guitars (Jason) 58:08

1y ago58:08

58:08

Some love them. Some hate them. Those that feel the love appreciate the history, tone, feel, and inspiration these guitars embody. Those that feel the hate. Disapprove of the hype and blinded devotion to a flawed guitar design that reeks of terrible tuning stability, inferior quality control, headstock breakage, high price, and heavy weight. Of cou…

1
Unlocking Your Potential with Body-Oriented Coaching 1:06:59

1y ago1:06:59

1:06:59

Description: In this episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast, we are thrilled to have Dr. Amanda Blake join us, an expert in body-oriented leadership coaching and the author of the impactful book, "Your Body Is Your Brain." In this episode, Dr. Blake shares fascinating insights into how our bodies significantly influence our behavior and pro…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Dr. Tietjen Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide