Best Imagine a Place Productions Podcasts (2025)

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Time to revisit your M&A strategy 20:56

1h ago20:56

20:56

M&A activity is down, as is private equity investment, and companies are facing a range of new geopolitical tensions. Still, there is a path to growth through M&A for those companies that maintain an active acquisition strategy, understand their capabilities, and avoid certain assets, says McKinsey Senior Partner Jake Henry. On this episode of The …

1
Ep. 535: Create Your “Summer of __,” Some Reading Recommendations & Listeners’ Favorite Words 36:39

2d ago36:39

36:39

We discuss a fun summer challenge of focusing on a specific theme or goal. We also include a few helpful, fun hacks, and we share some of listeners’ favorite words—a delightful collection of language. Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Read 25 in 25 Design Your Summer Reading List in the Happier app E…

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Ending Of: Forgetting Sarah Marshall 23:28

1h ago23:28

23:28

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Forgetting Sarah Marshall. They discuss Peter's puppet musical, Rachel's academic future, and Sarah's future as a pet psychic. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --- If we give you butterflies, consider supporting …

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Nonprofit Podcasts: A Guide To Sharing Your Mission And Increasing Your Impact 48:45

14h ago48:45

48:45

In a world clamoring for attention, how do you ensure your non-profit's vital message breaks through? Welcome to Feed Your Brand! This week, Tom Hazzard and Tracy Hazzard explore the compelling answer: nonprofit podcasts. They delve into why this medium is uniquely positioned to foster deep connections, build trust, and ultimately amplify your caus…

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NEXT UP: Podcast Optimization vs YouTube Optimization 2:23

3h ago2:23

2:23

Decoding Discoverability: What works for YouTube Video vs Podcast Audio Want to get your podcast seen (and heard!) on YouTube? YouTube optimization is not quite the same as podcast optimization. You can’t just put your audio out there and hope it will work. YouTube is all about visuals and getting found through trending search, unlike podcast apps.…

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Little Happier: Good Smell, Bad Smell? Context Changes Our Experience. 2:47

4d ago2:47

2:47

Our perception of smells depends on context—the same scent is experienced as delightful when labeled "Parmesan cheese" but revolting when called "vomit." Our interpretation of our circumstances often matters just as much as the circumstances themselves. Resources & links related to this episode: Life in Five Senses Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrub…

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More Happier: Gretchen Rubin on NPR's Life Kit 22:01

6d ago22:01

22:01

We bring you my interview with NPR's Life Kit where I discuss that the key to happiness is actually to know yourself better and what questions to ask yourself. We also discuss my Four Tendencies framework and one of my favorite "try this at home" hacks: the one minute rule. Resources & links related to this episode: Four Tendencies Quiz One-minute …

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Ep. 534: Recognize Your Exceptional Advantage, Don’t Be Fooled by Familiarity & an Empty-Nest Question 30:23

9d ago30:23

30:23

We discuss why it's valuable to identify your "exceptional advantages" in both work and personal life—those unique blessings or abilities you might take for granted but actually set you apart. We also share a hack that can save you time and frustration when going somewhere, and a simple, revealing question that can help you know yourself (and other…

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Forgetting Sarah Marshall 1:06:27

6d ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at a Hawaiian resort to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This week we discuss cool girls, beta males, and Girl's Gone Wild. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Jeffrey Geiger to talk to us about the US imagination of Hawaii in cinema. --- Hot and Bothere…

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COMING SOON: Cause Amplification for Nonprofit Podcasts 2:42

7d ago2:42

2:42

Nonprofit Podcasts: A Guide to Sharing Your Mission and Increasing Your Impact Harness the power of podcasting to share your nonprofit's story, engage your supporters, and raise awareness for your mission. Explore strategies for crafting engaging narratives that resonate with potential donors and volunteers, fostering a deeper connection to your ca…

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Little Happier: Drifting Through Life: When Not Deciding Becomes a Decision 5:15

11d ago5:15

5:15

Drift—the powerful force of making decisions by not deciding—can shape our lives without our conscious participation. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood If you’re wondering if you’re drifting, I created a checklist Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selli…

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More Happier: How Do We Know Ourselves and Our Values? A Short Quiz Reveals So Much 35:01

13d ago35:01

35:01

We talk to the brilliant Suzy Welch about her new book, “Becoming You,” and her Values Bridge quiz which can tells us how we rank fifteen core values—and we explore why knowing our values is such a key element to creating happier lives. Resources & links related to this episode: Becoming You by Suzy Welch (Amazon, Bookshop) "The Summer Day" by Mary…

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Don’t get stuck in a rut—update how you operate 18:46

11d ago18:46

18:46

People are asked to update the operating systems on their phones all the time. What if leaders applied that same kind of polishing and bug fixing to themselves? McKinsey research shows that executives who periodically review and revise their priorities, roles, time, and energy tend to be more productive, work more consciously, and drive change more…

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The Self-Published Author's Guide to Podcast Book Marketing with Juliet Clark 45:30

13d ago45:30

45:30

Are you a self-published author tired of your book launch falling flat? It's easy to publish, but cutting through the noise to find your readers is the real challenge. In this episode of Feed Your Brand, Tom Hazzard and Tracy Hazzard tackle that head-on! Join Tom and Tracy as they dive into "The Self-Published Author's Guide to Podcast Book Marketi…

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Ep. 533: Dust It Off or Let Go, the Power of PT & How to Create Compelling TV Characters 26:53

16d ago26:53

26:53

We discuss why it’s useful to dust off unused items--and either start using them or give them away. We also share a happiness hack from a listener who explains why it can be very valuable to give physical therapy another chance. Finally, we explore the Secret of Adulthood about cultivating friendship, and we answer a listener's question about how a…

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Ending of: 27 Dresses 26:12

16d ago26:12

26:12

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Sophie Gilbert analyze the ending of 27 Dresses. They discuss Jane's wedding dress, her skill as a bridesmaid, and her chemistry with Kevin. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --- If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! …

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Little Happier: When to Listen to Criticism and When to Ignore It 3:55

18d ago3:55

3:55

Distinguishing helpful from unhelpful criticism is a challenge that every creative person faces. No formula exists for knowing which criticism to heed; we must each develop our own discernment. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Coll…

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More Happier: How Regret Can Make You Happier [Revisited] 33:28

20d ago33:28

33:28

We discuss how regret and reflection can help us make better decisions in the future, and increase our happiness. Regret can be a hard thing to talk about. Many people who actually prefer to avoid using the word. By anticipating future regret, we can make better choices in the present, and by reflecting on past regret, we can think about how to do …

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Podcast Batch Recording: The Ultimate Guide to More Podcasting with Less Work 45:21

20d ago45:21

45:21

Time management and finding the best time to record is among the biggest issues for a lot of podcasters. One of the best solutions to this problem is batch recording, where you record several episodes in just one session. Tom Hazzard and Tracy Hazzard discuss how to do this the right way to save time, get ahead of your schedule, and avoid podcastin…

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Ep. 532: Favorite Words, a Simple Packing Hack, and Managing Obliger-Rebellion at Work 33:55

23d ago33:55

33:55

We explore why making a list of your favorite words ("whimsy," "crackle," "latibulate") and using them can boost happiness. We share a simple hack that makes packing easier, and we reflect on a dog-related Secret of Adulthood. We also tackle a listener question about how to manage Obliger-rebellion when facing increased workload after coworker layo…

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27 Dresses 51:16

24d ago51:16

51:16

Vanessa Zoltan and special guest Sophie Gilbert meet at a dive bar in upstate New York to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about 27 Dresses. This week we discuss Katherine Heigl's career, the wedding industrial complex, and the way this movie treats race and queerness. We finish the episode by talking to Sophie about her new book…

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Little Happier: When the Words of Ritual Give Me My “America Feeling” 2:34

25d ago2:34

2:34

Certain moments inspire my "America feeling"—a profound connection to the ideals of the United States. For instance, the formal words of the opening ritual for a session of the United States Supreme Court reminds me of the value of justice. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling …

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More Happier: Puppy! Taffy Has Arrived 25:37

27d ago25:37

25:37

We talk about the happiness, rewards, and challenges of having a new dog. Resources & links related to this episode: Support your favorite indie booksellers and enjoy a fun perk from Bookshop Follow me on Instagram for photos and videos of Taffy Read Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more…

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Quantum computing: Game on 24:18

26d ago24:18

24:18

Quantum computing has long been technology’s white whale. But in recent months, new developments suggest practical applications for this elusive technology could finally be within reach. “Quantum has been five to ten years away from fruition for many, many decades,” says McKinsey Partner Michael Bogobowicz. “Now it feels three to five years away.” …

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Introducing: Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan 43:01

29d ago43:01

43:01

We’re excited to introduce you to Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan, a new show from Lemonada Media. As Meghan, Duchess of Sussex builds out a business of her own, she’s getting advice and insights from a handful of amazing women who have scaled small ideas into successful companies. These fly-on-the-wall conversations will no doubt inspi…

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YouTube Shorts Posting For Podcasters: Find The Sweet Spot To Get More Views, Grow Your Audience, And Avoid Burnout 40:07

27d ago40:07

40:07

Feeling stuck with YouTube Shorts? Wondering how podcasters can use them to explode their reach—without burning out? In this episode of Feed Your Brand, Tom Hazzard and Tracy Hazzard are joined by returning guest and YouTube expert Fran Asaro, founder of the Senior Tuber Community and president of Thrive Anyway. Together, they dive into the world o…

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Ep. 531: Arrive Right on Time, Benefits of Pill Organizers & the Strongest Way to Make Friends 27:53

30d ago27:53

27:53

We discuss why arriving right on time for events makes it easier to have fun and to network (especially for introverts or newcomers). We also share the benefits of using an ordinary weekly pill organizer, and explore research supporting the Secret of Adulthood: “One of the best ways to find friends is to make friends with the friends of our friends…

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Ending Of: Twilight 26:17

28d ago26:17

26:17

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Twilight. They chat about Bella's ambivalence about prom, Edward's superstrength, and the cultural power of the gazebo. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --- If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on P…

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Little Happier: Easy Answers or Hard Truths: Whom Do You Trust? 9:01

1M ago9:01

9:01

When we’re trying to make a point, it’s often more effective to tell a story than to deliver a lecture. Example: an episode from the popular TV show “Better Call Saul” memorably illustrates the important truth that we’re probably better off assigning a complex problem to the person who acknowledges the difficulties rather than to the person who off…

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More Happier: Gretchen’s & Elizabeth’s Dog Decisions 27:58

1M ago27:58

27:58

In honor of the arrival of a new dog, we take a flashback to previous discussions of our lives with Barnaby, Daisy, and Nacho. We each decided to “Choose the bigger life,” and we’re very happy we did. Bonus: One of the all-time best episode of “A Little Happier,” all about Barnaby. Resources & links related to this episode: A Little Happier: We’ve …

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Time For A Podcast Gear Upgrade: Level Up Your Podcast Audio Quality 31:25

1M ago31:25

31:25

Tax season is over, and if you're a business owner or entrepreneur, hopefully, you got a refund. But if not, maybe it's time to reconsider how you run your business. In this episode of Feed Your Brand, Tom Hazzard and Tracy Hazzard share their journey from relying on a CPA to taking control of their taxes, and how they reinvested their refund into …

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Ep. 530: Very Special Episode: Hacks, Products, and Tips for Spring Clearing & Organizing 30:57

1M ago30:57

30:57

To get ready for spring, we share some of our favorite habits, hacks, and resources for clearing clutter and getting organized. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Join me on book tour starting April 1, 2025 Tools for getting organized this spring Outer Order, Inner Calm 3-Tier Organizing Cart Magic Er…

1
Twilight 1:05:26

1M ago1:05:26

1:05:26

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up in Forks, Washington to play vampire baseball and record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Twilight This week we discuss chivalry, cultural appropriation, and our new theme: movies of 2008. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Joseph Crawford to talk to us about the history of vampires in …

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Little Happier: When One Proverb Sparks Dozens: the Inspiration of “No Receiver, No Thief” 5:37

1M ago5:37

5:37

While writing my book "Secrets of Adulthood," I discovered how the structure of a single traditional proverb could spark dozens of new insights. The elegant formula "No X, no Y" began with the traditional wisdom "No receiver, no thief," but soon expanded into observations ranging from the paradoxical ("No expectations, no disappointment") to the hi…

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More Happier: Listen In! Recordings from a Visit in Los Angeles 26:41

1M ago26:41

26:41

During the book tour for “Secrets of Adulthood,” we had the chance to spend the day together in Los Angeles. Listen in and follow along as we hush the Corgis, clear office clutter, and learn some happy book-related news. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Organization hub Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gr…

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The fashion industry faces a world in flux 27:35

1M ago27:35

27:35

One thing is clear for the fashion industry in 2025. Due to climate change, global trade uncertainties, and consumers focused on value, growth is expected to be slow. However, despite the negative environment, McKinsey Senior Partner, Gemma D’Auria says there are opportunities to mine. On this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, she speaks with Global…

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Optimize Your Podcast Social Media: Exact Image Sizes That Boost Podcast Impact 51:13

1M ago51:13

51:13

Are your social media posts falling flat—even though you’re checking all the boxes? It might not be your message… it might be your format. In this must-listen episode of Feed Your Brand, Tom Hazzard and Tracy Hazzard unveil the 2025 Podcast Social Media Size Blueprint—and trust us, it’s so much more than just pixels and post dimensions. Tracy dives…

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Ep. 529: Cutting Back on Cussing, Easier Traveling & Do Possessions Have Feelings? 33:41

1M ago33:41

33:41

We explore the surprising benefits of swearing—from pain tolerance to social bonding—while also discussing why cutting back on cussing might still improve conversation quality and emotional climate. We share a listener hack for making a long, frequent car trip easier. We also consider a Know-Yourself- Better question about possessions, and we tackl…

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The Real Question: Should I Take an Art Class in 2025? (with Vanessa Zoltan) 28:13

1M ago28:13

28:13

While we’re in-between season, we wanted to share with you an episode of another Not Sorry podcast, The Real Question. The Real Question is a show that holds space for life’s tough questions. Each episode, a guest brings a personal question they’re grappling with, and Chaplain Mauricio Bruce helps them find an answer. This season, our focus is on f…

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Little Happier: When Zero Isn't Nothing: The Fresh Eyes of a Basketball Beginner 3:51

2M ago3:51

3:51

Through my "Operation Knicks Knowledge" experiment, I was astonished to learn that some professional basketball players have the number zero for their jersey number. Sometimes, a newcomer notices things that people with more knowledge take for granted. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrub…

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More Happier: Reading Hacks [Revisited] 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

In honor of #read25in25, we're revisiting one of our Very Special Episodes about how to get more reading done. We share hacks, strategies, and tools from listeners—and our own experience. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Join our annual challenge: #read25in25 #read25in25 PDF tracker Don’t Break the Chain Resolution Chart Get in touch: pod…

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Jay Shetty on Pursuing What You Love, from IMO 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

Sharing a new show from my friends at Higher Ground, called IMO. You know on Happier, Gretchen gives practical advice meant to uplift you, help you reach goals, and leave you feeling fulfilled. Similarly on IMO, Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson tackle real questions from real folks just like you offering practical advice, personal …

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Don't Buy Fake Podcast Reviews! Building Authenticity for Your Podcast and YouTube Channel 44:43

2M ago44:43

44:43

Fake podcast reviews may seem like a harmless shortcut, but today on Feed Your Brand, Tom Hazzard and Tracy Hazzard dive into why they can seriously backfire. From damaged credibility to falling victim to inflated numbers, they uncover the hidden dangers of buying fake reviews and why you might want to rethink the temptation to ‘boost’ your show. T…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Imagine A Place Productions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen