Best GDA Podcasts (2026)

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Belonging Starts When You Stop Fitting In with Sun Ah Brock 33:26

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10d ago33:26

33:26

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis talks with entrepreneur and storyteller Sun Ah Brock, whose journey from abandonment in Korea to rediscovery and reconnection decades later is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Sun shares how her search for belonging transformed her understanding of leadership, connection, and authenticity.…

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Finding Hope In Your Hard with James Lawrence 43:15

29d ago43:15

43:15

On this episode of Backstage Pass Gail visits with, James Lawrence, better known as The Iron Cowboy, who built his name on extreme endurance feats. But the real impact of his story? How we can all find shared hope no matter what our "hard" is. Key topics in this episode include: James completing 50 Ironman races in 50 days across 50 states. The imp…

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The Soul On Fire Mindset For Purpose That Lasts with John O'Leary 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

On this episode of Backstage Pass, John O'Leary shares his inspiring journey from a tragic childhood accident to becoming a motivational speaker and author. He discusses the recent premiere of the film based on his life story 'Soul on Fire,' the importance of community, and the impact of storytelling. John emphasizes the significance of pursuing a …

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The Ethics Trap Every Leader Faces with Andy Fastow 43:41

3M ago43:41

43:41

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis is joined by Andy Fastow, the former CFO of Enron, to discuss about ethics, leadership, and decision-making in business. Andy shares his journey of taking responsibility for his role in the collapse of Enron, the importance of understanding risk in the gray areas of business, and how corporate culture p…

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Owning & Accelerating Transformation with Peter Sheahan 33:07

3M ago33:07

33:07

Gail Davis is joined by Peter Sheahan who shares the importance of taking ownership of change to accelerate transformation on teams. Show Notes Peter Sheahan is an entrepreneur, strategist, C-suite advisor, and in-demand speaker. After writing Generation Y, his first book, he quickly found himself in boardrooms speaking about understanding and conn…

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War-Time Interrogator’s Secret to Trust with Eric Maddox 29:42

3M ago29:42

29:42

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Eric Maddox discusses the importance of empathy-based listening in building trust and effective communication in both personal and professional settings. Key topics in this episode include: Empathy-based listening is crucial for building trust. Organizations need to focus on understanding their clients. Listening …

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Everyday Innovation with Josh Linkner 28:03

4M ago28:03

28:03

On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gail Davis is joined by Josh Linkner who shares insights on the transformative power of everyday innovation, turning disruption into opportunity, and embracing creativity. Show Notes Josh Linkner, a five-time tech entrepreneur and expert in innovation and leadership. The conversation explores the parallels betw…

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Farm-Grown Wisdom for a Future-Ready Workplace with Seth Mattison 46:34

4M ago46:34

46:34

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Seth Mattison shares his insights on self trust, the future of work, the importance of perspective, and the crossover between business and lessons learned growing up on a farm. Show Notes Seth discusses how the dynamic nature of agriculture parallels the evolving workplace - emphasizing the need for human expansio…

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Jeremy Poincenot on The Hidden Strength Every Successful Team Shares 38:21

5M ago38:21

38:21

In this episode of Backstage Pass, host Gail Davis talks with world champion blind golfer Jeremy Poincenot. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey of losing his sight at 19 due to a rare genetic disorder and how he discovered the joy and power of interdependence. Show Notes He discusses the importance of asking for help, maintaining perspective during…

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Jay Baer Spills the Te(quil)a on What AI Will Never Replace 39:46

5M ago39:46

39:46

In this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Jay Baer - business growth and customer experience expert and 2nd most popular tequila influencer in the world! Jay shares the keys to customer loyalty amidst the evolving landscape shaped by AI and actionable strategies for maximum impact. Show Notes In this engaging conversation, Jay Ba…

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What Nonprofit Pros REALLY Do Differently with Jan Langbein & Karen White 52:21

6M ago52:21

52:21

Gail Davis is joined by Jan Langbein (CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter) and Karen White (President & CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation) share powerful stories and hard-earned lessons from years of leading mission-driven organizations—and hosting events that truly move people to act. Show Notes Dallas nonprofit leaders Jan Langbein and Karen Hughes Whit…

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The Universal Message of the Virtuoso Mindset with Felipe Gomez 34:39

7M ago34:39

34:39

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Felipe Gomez to explore how adopting the virtuoso mindset is the key to achieving breakthrough success in business and life. By weaving grand piano performances into his presentations, Felipe taps into a universal language that transcends industries, cultures, and backgrounds, with insigh…

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Living ALL IN: A Lifestyle of Purpose & Impact with Gian Paul Gonzalez 42:44

8M ago42:44

42:44

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Gian Paul Gonzalez—the man behind the New York Giants’ iconic “All In” rally cry—for a powerful conversation on purpose, resilience, and showing up fully in life. From inspiring Fortune 500 companies to mentoring at-risk youth, Gian Paul shares what it truly means to live “all in”—at home…

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Finding Blessings in Life's Boulders with Aron Ralston 41:57

8M ago41:57

41:57

On the latest episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Aron Ralston for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and finding meaning in the face of unimaginable adversity. Aron shares how being trapped by an 800-pound boulder became the catalyst for profound personal transformation—and how the “boulders” we all face can become…

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The Art & Impact of Self Expressionism with Judi Holler 54:01

8M ago54:01

54:01

On the latest episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis and Judi Holler have a high energy conversation about the significance of creativity in the future of work, embracing a broader vision of what is possible, and the power of improv in life and business. Tune in to hear how Judi empowers audiences to think big, feel seen, and express themselves full…

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Be Who You Came To Be: Living the Life You Deserve & Desire with Tara Renze 40:40

9M ago40:40

40:40

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Tara Renze to explore how emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, and pursuing fulfillment over happiness can transform lives. Hear how Tara helps audiences “Be Who You Came To Be” and why her work is resonating now more than ever. Show Notes In this engaging conversation, host Gail Davi…

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Ignite Unstoppable Momentum in a Rapidly Changing World with Kim Becking 38:41

9M ago38:41

38:41

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis is joined by Kim Becking who shares what it takes to lead with resilience and build unstoppable momentum. From embracing failure to fostering emotional intelligence, Kim explores practical ways to help teams thrive in times of change and uncertainty. Show Notes In this energizing and insightful episode,…

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The Power of Values: Unlocking Connection with David Allison 41:23

10M ago41:23

41:23

Gail Davis is joined by David Allison who dives into why understanding what people care about leads to better leadership, stronger client relationships, and more impactful strategies. Show Notes David Allison, an expert in engagement and human values, discusses the importance of understanding values over demographics in various fields such as sales…

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Embracing the Pioneer Spirit with Gaby Natale 38:15

10M ago38:15

38:15

On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gaby Natale joins Gail Davis as she shares how to embrace a pioneer spirit through innovation, resilience, and breaking barriers. Show Notes As the first Latina to win three Daytime Emmys® back-to-back, Gaby Natale has consistently demonstrated her ability to innovate and lead in diverse spaces. And now - as a …

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Zero Gravity, Maximum Impact: Lessons from Space with Mike Massimino 45:14

11M ago45:14

45:14

On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gail Davis sits down with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino to explore the out-of-this-world lessons he learned in space. From teamwork and communication to overcoming obstacles, Mike shares invaluable insights that apply far beyond the cosmos. Show Notes Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and celebrate…

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Energy Management: Breaking Down the Wall Between Work & Wellness with Suneel Gupta 43:03

11M ago43:03

43:03

Gail Davis is joined by Suneel Gupta who discusses how to practically manage energy and bolster emotional resilience in order to unite our wellbeing and performance at work. Show Notes Today we’re joined by Suneel Gupta, an expert on how well-being impacts performance. He’s a healthcare entrepreneur, best-selling author, and visiting scholar at Har…

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More Than Heroes: The Ultimate Story of Love, Teamwork, and Trust with Nando Parrado 26:22

12M ago26:22

26:22

Gail Davis is joined by Nando Parrado who shares the powerful message behind his story of survival and why it continues to resonate with generations and audiences of all ages today. Show Notes We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Nando Parrado, the first speaker ever booked by GDA Speakers 25 years ago. Nando is the hero of a 1972 plane cras…

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Memory Mastery: The Key to Winning in Business and Life with Ron White 41:51

12M ago41:51

41:51

Gail Davis is joined by Ron White who discusses the importance of memory in business, relationships, and self confidence. Show Notes Today we’re joined by two-time USA memory champion Ron White. His presentation addresses the skill of memorization and why it’s so important in business and in relationships. Not only that, but having a good memory ca…

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Broadway Edu-tainment with Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer 37:08

12M ago37:08

37:08

Gail Davis is joined by Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer who discuss finding success by removing our masks to be our authentic selves and how they uniquely blend their captivating Broadway talent with impactful storytelling at each event. Show Notes In this episode of Backstage Pass, we’re joined by Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer. Often referred to as Broadw…

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Behind The Scenes With Seasoned Event Strategist Heather Davis 38:25

12M ago38:25

38:25

Gail Davis is joined by seasoned event strategist Heather Davis who shares what makes an event a home run, factors that play into speaker selection, and the challenges she faces behind the scenes. Show Notes In this episode of Backstage Pass we’re joined by events strategist Heather Davis, Corporate Vice President with New York Life. She drives hig…

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Eliminating Complexity Through the Power of Simplicity with Lisa Bodell 22:48

12M ago22:48

22:48

Gail Davis is joined by Lisa Bodell who dissects the difference between productivity and simplicity, how workplace culture influences the complexity of our work, and using simplicity as an employee retention strategy. Show Notes Today our guest is the founder and CEO of FutureThink, Lisa Bodell. Lisa is a futurist and a global leader on collaborati…

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Amputate to Amplify: Transforming Adversity Into Advantage with John Register 40:13

12M ago40:13

40:13

Gail Davis is joined by John Register who discusses transforming adversity into advantage, what holds people back from moving past difficult times, and how his message provides audiences a necessary perspective shift. Show Notes In this episode of Backstage Pass we’re joined by John Register. John is a Paralympic silver medalist, army combat vetera…

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Exploring AI Through Neuroscience & Business Strategy with John Sanei 30:30

12M ago30:30

30:30

Gail Davis is joined by John Sanei who shares how to approach AI with optimism and how the combination of neuroscience, business strategy, and psychology impact our collective futures. Show Notes In this episode we visit with John Sanei who is an expert on human psychology, neuroscience, and business strategy. As a Certified Futures Strategist, he …

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The Interconnected Impact of Women's Issues with Leslie Morgan Steiner 39:04

12M ago39:04

39:04

Gail Davis is joined by Leslie Morgan Steiner who recounts her unexpected life experiences that led her to share her inspiring story - with a message that is equally applicable for both men and women. Show Notes Today our guest is New York Times bestselling author Leslie Morgan Steiner. Leslie is also a TED Talk veteran, a columnist for the Washing…

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Setting New Norms in Today's Digital Culture with Erica Dhawan 38:04

12M ago38:04

38:04

Gail Davis is joined by Erica Dhawan who shares her wisdom on communication in today's digital culture - including using connectional intelligence and reading digital body language in our modern workplace. Show Notes In this episode we’re joined by Erica Dhawan. Erica is a leading authority in the world of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation, a…

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Maximizing AI Through A Business Lens with Tim Sanders 27:04

12M ago27:04

27:04

Gail Davis and her guest Tim Sanders discuss how to use AI to reframe business challenges as prediction problems. Show Notes For our first episode we’re welcoming Tim Sanders, the Vice President of Customer Insights at Upwork and a New York Times best-selling author. Tim, recently appointed as an executive fellow at Harvard Business School's Digita…

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 11 - More Than Heroes - The Ultimate Story of Love, Teamwork, and Trust with Nando Parrado 26:22

1y ago26:22

26:22

Backstage Pass: Ep. 11 - More Than Heroes - The Ultimate Story of Love, Teamwork, and Trust with Nando Parrado by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 10 - Memory Mastery: The Key to Winning in Business and Life with Ron White 41:51

1y ago41:51

41:51

Backstage Pass: Ep. 10 - Memory Mastery: The Key to Winning in Business and Life with Ron White by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 9 - Broadway Edu-tainment with Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer 37:08

1y ago37:08

37:08

Backstage Pass: Ep. 9 - Broadway Edu-tainment with Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 8 - Behind The Scenes With Seasoned Event Strategist Heather Davis 38:25

1y ago38:25

38:25

Backstage Pass: Ep. 8 - Behind The Scenes With Seasoned Event Strategist Heather Davis by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 7 - Eliminating Complexity Through the Power of Simplicity with Lisa Bodell 22:48

1+ y ago22:48

22:48

Backstage Pass: Ep. 7 - Eliminating Complexity Through the Power of Simplicity with Lisa Bodell by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 6 - Amputate to Amplify with John Register 40:13

1+ y ago40:13

40:13

Backstage Pass: Ep. 6 - Amputate to Amplify with John Register by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 5 - Owning & Accelerating Transformation with Peter Sheahan 36:49

1+ y ago36:49

36:49

Backstage Pass: Ep. 5 - Owning & Accelerating Transformation with Peter Sheahan by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 4 - Exploring AI Through Neuroscience & Business Strategy with John Sanei 30:30

1+ y ago30:30

30:30

Backstage Pass: Ep. 4 - Exploring AI Through Neuroscience & Business Strategy with John Sanei by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 3 - The Interconnected Impact of Women's Issues with Leslie Morgan Steiner 39:04

1+ y ago39:04

39:04

Backstage Pass: Ep. 3 - The Interconnected Impact of Women's Issues with Leslie Morgan Steiner by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 2 - Setting New Norms in Today's Digital Culture with Erica Dhawan 38:04

1+ y ago38:04

38:04

Backstage Pass: Ep. 2 - Setting New Norms in Today's Digital Culture with Erica Dhawan by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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Backstage Pass: Ep. 1 - Maximizing AI Through A Business Lens with Tim Sanders 27:04

1+ y ago27:04

27:04

Backstage Pass: Ep. 1 - Maximizing AI Through A Business Lens with Tim Sanders by GDA SpeakersBy GDA Speakers

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GDA Podcast: ep. 02 - Jim Carroll: Futurist, Trends, and Innovation Expert 37:39

1+ y ago37:39

37:39

Jim Carroll is one of the world's leading international futurists, trends, and innovation experts, with a client list that ranges from Dupont to Johnson & Johnson, the Swiss Innovation Forum to the National Australia Bank; the Walt Disney Organization to NASA. His focus is on helping to transform growth oriented organizations into high-velocity inn…

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GDA Podcast: ep. 01 - Jeff Kirschner- Founder and CEO of Litterati, and TED Resident 33:11

1+ y ago33:11

33:11

While backpacking around the world, Jeff Kirschner saw first hand the challenges we face on a global scale. In many ways, this experience led to his most recent venture. Inspired by his 4 year old girl and a cigarette butt, Litterati is a global movement using technology & data to “crowdsource-clean” the planet -- one piece at a time. Featured in N…

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GDA Podcast: ep. 03 - David Polinchock: Accomplished Innovator at the Intersection of Media and Technology 1:07:03

1+ y ago1:07:03

1:07:03

David Polinchock has over 30 years experience with the use of emerging technologies, event marketing and brand storytelling. He is a pioneer in the use of VR for advertising and has run his own media lab, as well as a lab for AT&T AdWorks. He has spoken around the world on marketing innovation and the future of advertising.Link to this episode: htt…

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GDA Podcast: ep. 04 - Herb Meyer: Former Reagan Administration Intelligence Official 46:25

1+ y ago46:25

46:25

Herb Meyer served in the Ronald Reagan's Administration as Special Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence and Vice Chairman of the CIA's National Intelligence Council. In these positions, he managed production of the US National Intelligence Estimates and other top-secret projections for the President and his national security advisers. …

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GDA Podcast: ep. 05 - Dr. Michael "Misha" Auslin: WSJ Columnist, Advisor, and Geopolitics Expert 46:02

1+ y ago46:02

46:02

War. Economic Security. Elections. All the things you need to know about in our rapidly changing world is what Dr. Michael “Misha” Auslin deals with every day. A columnist for The Wall Street Journal, an award-winning author, government adviser, and Resident Scholar and Director of Japanese Studies at the American Enterprise Institute -- Misha is c…

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GDA Podcast: ep. 06 - Richard Resnick: Serial Entrepreneur, CEO, and TED Speaker on Genomics 40:52

1+ y ago40:52

40:52

Richard Resnick began his career working on the Human Genome Project as a software engineer under Eric Lander. Since then, he has gone on to bridge the research and commercial worlds as a serial entrepreneur.Most recently, he led GQ Life Sciences, a company that focused on innovation in genomics and how industry players could best create competitiv…

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GDA Podcast: ep. 07 - Nando Parrado: Survivor, Hero, Businessman, and NYT Best-Selling Author 35:22

1+ y ago35:22

35:22

From the time the plane crashed on October 13, 1972 until their rescue on December 22, Nando Parrado and his fellow Uruguayan rugby teammates were forced to cross both physical and mental boundaries. After waking from a concussion only to learn that his mother had died on impact and his sister was near death, Nando became obsessed with surviving an…

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GDA Podcast: ep. 08 - Jason Schenker: Top-Ranked Economist, Bloomberg Contributor, Tech CEO, and Investor 45:08

1+ y ago45:08

45:08

Jason Schenker is the president of the consulting firm Prestige Economics and one of the most accurate financial market forecasters in the world. Jason has been top-ranked by Bloomberg News in 35 different categories since 2010, and his research is frequently quoted in the press, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He frequent…