Best Honest Field Guide® Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 79 - Tracey Panek, Levi's Historian on The Power of Listening and Creating Surprising Connections For Business Growth 1:05:16

27d ago1:05:16

1:05:16

In this episode of The Honest Field Guide, host JinJa Birkenbeuel interviews Tracey Panek, the historian and director of archives at Levi Strauss & Co. They discuss the importance of curiosity, the role of an archivist in preserving history, and how fashion intersects with personal identity and culture. Tracey shares her journey from a curious chil…

1
Ep 78 Lisou Brand - Creating Vibrant Beauty and Fashion with Textile Designer Rene Macdonald 1:27:56

1M ago1:27:56

1:27:56

In this episode of The Honest Field Guide, host JinJa Birkenbeuel engages in a heartfelt conversation with Rene Moshi Macdonald, the founder of Lisou, a luxury women's wear brand based in London. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, particularly for Black mothers, and the importance of community support. Rene shares her journey from Tanzania …

1
Ep. 77 - How To Empower Yourself - Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer, the WNBA's New York Liberty Shares Her Story - and She's Sticking To It! 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

Host JinJa Birkenbeuel welcomes Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer at the WNBA's New York Liberty, to discuss her journey in sports branding, the importance of storytelling, and the challenges of navigating a career in a male-dominated industry. Shana shares her experiences from her early days in fashion to her current role in sports, emphasizin…

1
Ep. 76 - Who Is Joe Favorito, Author, Sports Broadcaster and Consultant to “Creed?” How To Become an Entrepreneur in Sports 50:36

3M ago50:36

50:36

In this episode of The Honest Field Guide podcast, host JinJa Birkenbeuel engages in a dynamic conversation with sports entrepreneur Joe Favorito. They explore the intersection of sports, family dynamics, and entrepreneurship, discussing how personal experiences shape perspectives on sports. The conversation delves into the importance of showing up…

1
Ep. 75 - [Part II] Craig Bauer, Founder, Hinge Studios Conversations on Kanye (Ye), Engineering Excellence, Cultural Humbleness, AI, Business and the Relentless Pursuit of Audio Excellence 42:26

4M ago42:26

42:26

1
Ep. 75 - [Part I] Craig Bauer, Founder, Hinge Conversations on Kanye (Ye), Engineering, Cultural Humbleness, AI, Business and the Relentless Pursuit of Audio Excellence 1:16:03

4M ago1:16:03

1:16:03

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Ep. 74 - Darren McKoy, Creative Director of Dr. Martens - How Sunny Optimism, Mentoring and Team Strategy Can Build an A-List Fashion Career and Transform a Legacy Brand’s Design Culture 1:15:13

5M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

In this engaging conversation, JinJa Birkenbeuel interviews Darren McKoy https://www.instagram.com/d_dot_mckoy, the creative director of Dr. Martens. They explore themes of optimism rooted in upbringing, the influence of music and sport on creativity, and the journey through education and early career choices that led Darren to his current role. Th…

1
Ep. 73 : Lenny Stern, Co-Founder of SS+K, On The Transformative Power of Self-Awareness and Hiring Diverse Leaders 58:03

6M ago58:03

58:03

In this episode of The Honest Field Guide Podcast, host JinJa Birkenbeuel engages in a deep conversation with Lenny Stern, a prominent figure in marketing and communications. They explore Lenny's journey from his upbringing in Queens, New York, to his impactful career in politics and business. The discussion touches on themes of diversity, resilien…

1
Ep. 72: Kentucky Congressman Morgan McGarvey - How Entrepreneurs and Leading Women Fuel The Renewed American Dream 58:31

6M ago58:31

58:31

In this episode of The Honest Field Guide podcast, host JinJa Birkenbeuel discusses the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in the U.S. with Congressman Morgan McGarvey. They explore the significance of small businesses, the role of women in leadership, and the importance of HBCUs. McGarvey shares personal stories about his family background, hi…

1
The Birk Creative Reset 9 - Entrepreneurship and Vice President Harris on The Honest Field Guide 16:10

6M ago16:10

16:10

I am here for another of my Birk Creative interludes, to talk about my anxiety and hope around the candidacy and election day, November 5, 2024, as well as Vice President Harris' plans for entrepreneurs and small business owners as we try to elect the first woman President of the United States. Thanks for listening in. JinJa Birkenbeuel, Host All c…

1
Ep. 71 - The Honest "Political" Guide - Part III, feat. JinJa Birkenbeuel x Mary Nisi, Two Vibrant Entrepreneurs From Chicago 1:18:34

7M ago1:18:34

1:18:34

The Honest "Political" Guide - Part III, feat. JinJa Birkenbeuel x Mary Nisi, Two Vibrant Entrepreneurs From Chicago I'm back with my little local politics conversations on my show with my fellow outspoken entrepreneur Mary Nisi, owner of Toast and Jams DJs. Mary and I are keeping this political conversation going. So little time left to elect the …

1
Ep. 70 - Mr. Ray Chew, A Conversation about How To Be A Music Director and Composer, Dancing With The Stars and Power 2 Inspire Foundation 1:42:11

8M ago1:42:11

1:42:11

Ray Chew, a renowned music director, producer, and composer, shares his journey in the music industry. From being discovered at six years old to working with superstars, Chew's early beginnings and musical education shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of talent, hard work, and opportunity in achieving success. Chew also discusses the tr…

1
Ep 69 How To Design and Create Conditions for Liberatory Joy and Not Oppression A Conversation with Dr Dori Tunstall, Author Decolonizing Design A Cultural Justice Guidebook 1:06:39

11M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

Join JinJa Birkenbeuel, host, and Dr. Dori Tunstall, Design Anthropologist, as they delve into the challenging conversation surrounding decolonizing design. Discover how outdated ideologies have hindered progress and learn how to create a more inclusive and just design space. Learn more about Dori here https://dori3.typepad.com/my_weblog/%20(Blog A…

1
I am a Non Playable Character by JinJa Birkenbeuel 9:02

12M ago9:02

9:02

JinJa Birkenbeuel reads her latest personal essay "I am mediocre. I am a non-playable character. And I am okay with it."

1
Ep. 68: How To Build A Thought Leadership Business Using Professional PR. A Conversation with Judy Kalvin of Kalvin Public Relations 48:20

12M ago48:20

48:20

All content ©Birkdesign Inc. This podcast represents the personal views of JinJa Birkenbeuel, CEO of Birk Creative and its employees. Please subscribe and the donate to our show. We would love your dollars to keep going! We can take a donation to support our podcast here and we will shout you our when you do it on an upcoming podcast: https://ancho…

1
Ep. 67 - What Do Curls Have To Do With Love, Success, Transformation and Business? Lots! A Conversation with Curly Hair Innovator Cally Raduenzel from Cally's Curls, Chicago 58:50

1y ago58:50

58:50

Calling all curly, Afro'd and natural-haired people! You have got to check in!I am soo excited y'all! I have an incredible conversation with Cally Raduenzel, curly hair innovator and founder of Cally's Curls and Company in Chicago releasing tomorrow.Some of you may know, through my brand channel Birk Creative, and also my personal story that I rele…

1
The Birk Creative Reset 8: Review of "All Black Errythang" A Book of Poetry by Chanel Murray 12:12

1y ago12:12

12:12

In this episode, I share my experiences at the Sundance Film Festival and highlights an entrepreneur artist, writer, and poet named Chanel Murray. I continue to reconnect with people that I met at the festival and my conversations with Poet Chanel Murray are among the best ones. In this Creative Reset, I read from Chanel Murray's book of poetry, 'A…

1
New Limited Edition Talk Show: Part II The Honest "Political" Guide, feat. Two Vibrant Entrepreneurs From Chicago [JinJa Birkenbeuel x Mary Nisi] 1:04:41

1y ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Welcome to The Honest Field Guide Season 3 kick-off. For the first time, I have a podcast episode that requires a disclaimer: "Listener Discretion" advised. My guest Mary Nisi (Toast & Jam DJs) and I are 100% funny, and at times, are using strong language. Some topics in this episode may make some listeners cringe. But this IS the HONEST Field Guid…

1
Ep. 66 - Live from 2024 Sundance Film Festival. A business conversation with Alex Lora Cercos, Director of the Sundance Grand Jury Award “The Masterpiece.” 45:10

1y ago45:10

45:10

Film Director and Writer Alex Lora and I sit down to discuss his latest film "The Masterpiece" which just hours earlier, won the Sundance Grand Jury Award. Alex was in shock and also battling a bad cold during our conversation. But nothing dampens his creative spirit and how fortunate I was to have stumbled across Alex to have this conversation! En…

1
The Birk Creative Reset 7: Featuring the 2024 Sundance Film Festival 7:00

1+ y ago7:00

7:00

Hi welcome back to my show. A quick update: I will be at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival representing Full Spectrum Features as a newly appointed Director to their board, to participate in the premier of their first film "Desire Lines." I am also reporting in on the festival for WVON 1690 AM Chicago to discover the latest independent films created …

1
The Creative Reset 6: 6 minutes of inspiration for burned-out entrepreneurs 6:39

1+ y ago6:39

6:39

Burn-out is real. A year-end inspirational and hopeful reading "Practical advice on burnout—what works and what sucks—from someone who’s dealt with it" by JinJa Birkenbeuel. Happy new year everyone! *At the end I meant to say "See you in 2024!" Not 2022. 🤣🤣🤣 All content ©Birkdesign Inc. This podcast represents the personal views of JinJa Birkenbeue…

1
Ep 65 - How A Small Business Owner Can Innovate With Their Own Mini Supply Chain with Michelle Covey, Vice President at GS1 USA.mp4 1:06:25

1+ y ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Michelle Covey is here on my show today. She is the Vice President of Innovation at GS1US, where she overseas delivery of programs and services designed to support efficient and accurate GS1 standards implementation for companies of all sizes. When you are a manufacturer or a retailer, you need an authentic way to identify your products if you want…

1
New Limited Edition Talk Show: The Honest "Political" Guide - Part I., feat. Two Vibrant Entrepreneurs From Chicago [JinJa Birkenbeuel x Mary Nisi] 51:12

1+ y ago51:12

51:12

The city of Chicago right now is feeling really, really awkward to me. I don't know what's happening here or, what we need to do. But I want to talk about this awkwardness, so I decided to incorporate these little local politics conversations on my show with my fellow outspoken entrepreneur Mary Nisi, owner of Toast and Jams DJs. Chicago: What the …

1
Operations Exec and Coach Kamrin Huban on Voice and Moving Beyond Crushing Workplace Conflict 25:14

1+ y ago25:14

25:14

Join Linda and her guest, Kamrin Huban, as they explore damaging workplace conflicts and the power of our own voices in navigating such obstacles. Discover how to respond differently by reframing emotions and turning up the volume on our own voices. Learn how our initial response is not the only way forward. Today's story illustrates how we can pus…

1
Trauma-Informed Leadership Consultant Carolyn Swora on Identity and Possibility 14:39

1+ y ago14:39

14:39

Join Linda and her guest, Carolyn Swora, as they discuss identity through the lens of love, loss, and the expansive gifts that await each of us in transition. Discover how our beliefs about who we are play a role in our response to upheaval in our lives. Learn how to reframe our experiences of major life shifts and access unshakable courage. Don't …

1
Purpose-driven Leader Lauren Goldberg on Belonging and Unlearning Shame 13:39

1+ y ago13:39

13:39

Join Linda and her guest, Lauren Goldberg, as they explore the opportunity to move beyond 'learned shame' and the pressure 'to be' a certain way. Discover how we can revolutionize our sense of belonging by reframing our understanding of who we are. Learn about forgiving ourselves and the incredible energy that such steps can enable. The conversatio…

1
The Creative Reset 5: 15 minutes of inspiration for entrepreneurs read by JinJa Birkenbeuel 9:02

1+ y ago9:02

9:02

How to be who you are. An inspirational and hopeful reading from "1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently" by Marc & Angel Chernoff All content ©Birkdesign Inc. This podcast represents the personal views of JinJa Birkenbeuel, CEO of Birk Creative and its employees. Please subscribe and the donate to our show. We would love your d…

1
Ep. 64 - Doreen Lorenzo on Why Attending College Still Matters for Creatives (and how to create a sustainable career as a woman in design) 53:55

2y ago53:55

53:55

Doreen Lorenzo is a successful leader of global creative firms; as the former president of frog design and Quirky she has advised companies on design and innovation issues for decades. In 2016 she started the Center for Integrated Design at the University of Texas at Austin. The success of that program led her in 2017 to be appointed Assistant Dean…

1
Ep. 63 Every Gen Z Entrepreneur Needs To Listen Up to Matt Burzec, Sneakerhead and Founder, Kicks of Chicago 55:51

2y ago55:51

55:51

I interviewed Matt Burzec at the start of the pandemic. He was a senior in high school, and had so many plans that withered away. The one plan that didn't was his nascent dream of entrepreneurship. Little did he know, that my initial interview of him in mid 2020, would spark his long view entrepreneurship journey, one that would send him to Univers…

1
Collaborative Attorney Joy Rosenthal on a New Lens into the Pandemic's Tragic Loss 27:42

2y ago27:42

27:42

Join Linda and her guest, Joy Rosenthal, as they explore the life-changing loss of Joy's spouse in the early days of the pandemic. Discover how understanding change and transition creates an opportunity to be with the layers of grief and fear differently. Learn about reinvention and its influence contributions towards unintended paths. Hold in your…

1
The Creative Reset 4: 15 minutes of inspiration for entrepreneurs read by JinJa Birkenbeuel 14:39

2y ago14:39

14:39

A bonus track to share before I release my next episode. Also, my first video/audio track. Here I am discussing the release of my first story, that is published by Fast Company Magazine. It's a story about my professional brand crisis brought on by my decision to allow my hair to go natural. All content ©Birkdesign Inc. This podcast represents the …

1
Author & Social Innovation Advocate Abby Davisson on Possibility & Choice at Life's Crossroads 13:23

2y ago13:23

13:23

Join Linda and Abby Davisson, co-author of Money and Love, as they talk about making choices that align with what really matters. Discover how Abby applied her book's methods to a decision about a geographic move for her and her young family. Learn how to reframe our choices and how this path can open the aperture on what's possible for us. LISTEN …

1
Author and Care Giving Expert Connie Baher on The Secret Sauce to Life's Crossroads 14:41

2y ago14:41

14:41

Join Linda and Connie Baher as the two talk about reframing and its usefulness at life's biggest moments. Discover how Connie's role as a long-haul care giver to her 105-year-old mother transformed her thinking about herself and about her relationship to her mom. Learn how to reframe from real life examples shared by both Connie and Linda. Don't mi…

1
Ep. 62 - Christie Hefner: An Intimate Conversation With The Powerhouse Behind The Playboy (That Saved One Of The Most Iconic Brands In The World) 1:11:37

2y ago1:11:37

1:11:37

Show notes coming shortly! ---- Music found on this episode is available on Apple here https://music.apple.com/us/artist/utah-carol/137984081 and provided courtesy Utah Carol (ASCAP). All content ©Birkdesign Inc. This podcast represents the personal views of JinJa Birkenbeuel, CEO of Birk Creative and its employees. Mastering by Kris Zarnoch. Pleas…

1
Care Provider and Author Connie Baher on Embracing Uncertainty & Joy 10:30

2y ago10:30

10:30

Join Linda as she continues her conversation with Connie Baher, author of the new book, Family Care Givers: An Emotional Survival Guide. Listen to how uncertainty envelopes care giving and how it impacts our energy, our identity, and our emotional well-being. Discover the joy and peace that can emerge from reexamining the expectations we hold for o…

1
The Creative Reset 3: 10 minutes of inspiration for entrepreneurs read by JinJa Birkenbeuel from "No Idea Is Final" Published by Phaidon Books 10:20

2y ago10:20

10:20

I cleansed my spirit by reading from a brand new bright orange book that just arrived in my mailbox 'No Idea Is Final" published by Phaidon Books. It's packed with thoughtful and grounding quotes by some of the most famous creators of all time. This book is a creative cleanse for anyone that thinks and creates, anything. ---- Thank you for joining …

1
CEO And Innovation Expert Karen Williams on Reframing Our Emotions 15:07

2y ago15:07

15:07

Join Linda as she talks with her life-long friend, Karen Williams, about the role emotions play in our experience of upheaval. Learn how reframing emotions can help us occupy the world differently. Discover the power available to you as you begin to ask yourself new questions. Get a sneak peek into Linda's upcoming 2nd book, Dancing with Disruption…

1
The Creative Reset 2: 5 minutes of inspiration for entrepreneurs read by JinJa Birkenbeuel from "Taxi Driver Wisdom" written by Risa Mickenberg 5:12

2y ago5:12

5:12

After a long week, sometimes, it feels good to touch grass, or read a real book or think and then repeat it outloud. Today I do this by reading excerpts from "Taxi Driver Wisdom" written by Risa Mickenberg. This book has inspired me for years and years. Not only because it's about New York City, the greatest city in the world. But rather, by the me…

1
CEO and Innovation Expert Karen Williams on Finding your Superpower 15:34

2y ago15:34

15:34

Join Linda as she talks with Karen Williams about what it means to have someone say, "I got you," at times of upheaval in our lives. Discover the value in turning up the volume on your own truth and the possibility it can create as you share it with others. Get a sneak peek into 'how to' respond differently to disruption in our lives as Karen asks …

1
Ep. 61 Candace Nelson, Sprinkles Cupcakes - How To Establish, Build, Grow and Scale a Business That You Can Sell--From Scratch! 57:16

2y ago57:16

57:16

Thank you for joining me today. You could be listening to any podcast in the world right now, but you are choosing to listen to mine. If you are a new listener to my show, please subscribe to my show on Apple or Spotify podcasts or search on Google “The Honest Field Guide Podcast” and look for Google Podcasts where you can listen to my show right f…

1
Update from JinJa Birkenbeuel: The Creative Reset 18:53

2y ago18:53

18:53

Hello everyone! I've received messages and emails asking "Where ya been JinJa?" So, I wanted to share this quick message to let you know, I'm still here and have a line up with some amazing entrepreneurs coming up this month and next. :)

1
Innovation Expert and CEO Karen Williams on Permission & Possibility 14:23

2y ago14:23

14:23

Join Linda as she talks with guest Karen Williams about the risk we incur when we miss seeing the possibility in ourselves. Learn about the role our story plays helping us unearth our superpower. Discover more about Linda's own story from an isolating personal crisis to a place of strength and a desire to make an impact. Karen turns the interview t…

1
Longevity Author Susan Golden on Your Renaissance 14:43

2+ y ago14:43

14:43

Join Linda as she talks with Susan Golden about the stages we are invited to explore as our lives extend to 100 years. Discover the non-negotiables, like community, that enable successful identity shifts to occur at any age. Learn about the new normal as it relates to redefining who we are and what we want to do. Don't miss this one! Susan's contac…

1
Author Viet Thanh Nguyen Winner of The Pulitzer for Fiction 1:07:46

2+ y ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Happy new year! 2023 is going to be the Year of the Creator, Creativity and Entrepreneurship. You've been waiting for this opportunity your entire work life. I thought it would be helpful to share what entrepreneurship looks like from the lens of a Pulitzer prize winning author, who was raised by entrepreneurs that overcame extreme adversity. And i…

1
A Gift of Joy & Light 15:00

2+ y ago15:00

15:00

Join Linda for a special episode featuring the incredible gifts resident within our experience of transition and renewal. Learn how to reach beyond common misconceptions about the crossroads of our lives. Explore how to lead with 'who you are' and unlock more of your untapped potential. Discover the true lynchpin to a successful 2023 - you! Don't m…

1
Care Provider and Author Connie Baher on the Power of Naming 6:24

2+ y ago6:24

6:24

Join Linda as she talks with Connie Baher about Connie's transition to caregiving for her 105-year-old mother. Learn how our growing awareness of change and our willingness to name our evolving circumstances can translate into a game-changing shift in our lives. Discover how reframing emotions, like frustration and resentment, leads to unlocking ou…

1
Fashion Stylist and Entrepreneur Elysha Lenkin on Tackling Fear 12:21

2+ y ago12:21

12:21

Join Linda for her conversation with fashion stylist and entrepreneur Elysha Lenkin as they explore entrepreneurship as a vehicle for self-expression and personal growth. Discover the real story on how great things happen as we make our way forward to live our dream. Learn about the risk of gating ourselves until we have it all figured out. A spiri…

1
Botanical Artist Ratna Dalal: Leading with Head and Heart 7:11

2+ y ago7:11

7:11

Join Linda and her guest Ratna Dalal for an inspiring conversation about identity shifts in adult life. Learn how 'being open to change' can serve as a precursor to living our fullest life. Discover how Ratna's embrace of her heart helped her learn, adapt, and greet uncertainty with unparalleled grace. Don't miss this chance to hear about her art a…

1
Ep 60 - Jenny Wood: How To Be Extraordinary While Navigating Your Career From Within (a whale) 53:54

2+ y ago53:54

53:54

Follow our show on http://www.instagram.com/honestfieldguide or at http://www.twitter.com/thehonestfield. Please subscribe and the donate to our show. We would love your dollars to keep going! We can take a donation to support our podcast here and we will shout you our when you do it on an upcoming podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-honest-field-guide/…

1
Parenting & Ambition Expert Yael Schonbrun: Unlocking Our Happy 11:40

2+ y ago11:40

11:40

Join Linda and her guest Yael Schonbrun as they talk about thriving as parents and as people. Yael and Linda talk about the roles we accrue over our lives - from sibling to employee/colleague to parent and more - and how shifts in our values invite us to rethink how we occupy each one. Learn a simple approach to navigating discomfort and unhappines…

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