Best Ambiguous Intent Podcasts (2026)

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2026 Reset: Creating Space, Choosing Direction 13:01

Play Pause

4h ago13:01

13:01

Send us a text Before you set new goals for 2026, take a pause. This episode guides you through a gentle two‑part reset - honoring what you’re completing and choosing one honest intention for how you want to move through the year, without pressure or over‑planning. The new year often comes with pressure to have a clear plan, big goals, and a “new y…

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Beyond Sleep: Four Kinds of Rest We All Need 17:19

7d ago17:19

17:19

Send us a text If you’re exhausted but time off hasn’t really helped, the problem might not be how much you rest, but what kind of rest you’re getting. This episode explores four different kinds of rest - physical, mental, emotional, and creative - and offers simple ways to notice what you actually need right now. “Get more rest” is common advice, …

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Flamingos and Focus Days: One Simple Practice for a More Intentional Year 16:35

12d ago16:35

16:35

Send us a text Before rushing into big resolutions, what if you paused to ask: "What needs to stop, what deserves to stay, and what small experiment could actually support the life and work I want?" In this reflections episode, Coral and Jessica get honest about boundaries, comparison, joy, and work rhythms - and invite you to do the same, in three…

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GSB at 100: "The Moment" 28:34

19d ago28:34

28:34

This week on If/Then we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs as Stanford GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next 100 years may hold. On this epis…

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Leading Through Uncertainty: Navigating Ambiguity as an Adaptive Practice 12:16

19d ago12:16

12:16

Send us a text Leading in uncertainty is not about having all the answers; it’s about how you show up when you don’t. In this episode, explore two simple practices that help you anchor in what matters and keep moving, even when the path ahead is anything but clear. Ambiguity is not just a strategy or org‑chart issue; it is a human constant in moder…

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Letting Go to Move Forward: Creating Space for Your Next Self 12:15

28d ago12:15

12:15

Send us a text Feeling between versions of yourself - no longer who you were, not yet who you’re becoming? In this episode, learn two simple practices to release what no longer fits and take aligned, micro‑actions that move you forward with clarity and steadiness. Professionals who navigate this “liminal” space well build resilience and better deci…

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7 Small Practices for Better Conversations 12:17

1M ago12:17

12:17

Send us a text In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica explore empathetic listening: what it is, why it matters, and how a few simple shifts in how you listen can deepen your relationships and improve how you work with others. This practicast explores empathetic listening as a practical communication skill. We compare empathetic…

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3 Simple Ways to Find Gratitude in Tough Moments 10:04

1M ago10:04

10:04

Send us a text Ever find yourself juggling tough projects or caring for others while your own energy dips? In this episode, discover three practical gratitude habits you can use to find steadiness and clarity - no matter what your day brings. This week on Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral move past “feel-good” gratitude to share three real-w…

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GSB at 100: "The Experience" 29:01

2M ago29:01

29:01

This week on If/Then we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs as Stanford GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next 100 years may hold. On this epis…

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Fuel your Day with Savoring: The “Catching Joy” Practice 13:27

2M ago13:27

13:27

Send us a text If you feel like your emotional 'gas tank' is running empty, this episode is for you. We're diving into savoring - an intentional, evidence-based skill for actively amplifying the joy and positive feelings that are already there. We'll share the Catching Joy practice, showing you how to capture that positive energy and use it for ren…

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Reconnecting with Wonder to Spark Creativity 13:09

2M ago13:09

13:09

Send us a text When the complexity of your work leads to burnout and tunnel vision, where do you find the energy to create solutions? Today, we're exploring the science of awe - that powerful feeling we experience in the presence of something vast. We'll share simple, evidence-based practices for weaving micro-moments of wonder into your busiest da…

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GSB at 100: "The Spirit" 24:30

2M ago24:30

24:30

This week on [If/Then or View From The Top] we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs as Stanford GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next 100 years…

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Ending the Day Strong: A 5-minute Daily Reset 18:54

2M ago18:54

18:54

Send us a text Feeling stretched thin? Try this simple 5-minute daily practice to get yourself untangled and take small steps to move out of overwhelm, help you notice what fuels you, and set you up for a calmer tomorrow. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica discuss how to combat overwhelm through a quick, consist…

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Planting Seeds: 3 Minute Connections That Transform Your Relationships 8:24

2M ago8:24

8:24

Send us a text What if three minutes a day could transform your relationships- and your whole sense of connection? Discover how tiny, intentional gestures can spark big ripples across your community. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral spotlight the overlooked power of small, intentional outreach. Inspired by the…

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What's Your Problem: "Teaching Computers to See" 27:03

2M ago27:03

27:03

This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of What’s Your Problem?, a show from Pushkin Industries where entrepreneurs, engineers, and scientists talk about the future they’re trying to build—and the problems they must solve to get there. Hosted by former Planet Money co-host Jacob Goldstein, each conversation explores the challenges and breakt…

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Cultivating an Engaged Attitude 10:23

3M ago10:23

10:23

Send us a text How do teams build real momentum and commitment together? Discover how small shifts - like rotating leadership and showing authentic presence - can spark engagement and creativity in group projects. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica take a real-life approach to cultivating an engaged attitude - e…

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Shifting from “Should” to “Get To” for Renewed Energy at Work 9:24

3M ago9:24

9:24

Send us a text What powers you at work: pressure or purpose? This episode gives you one simple language hack to turn daily obligations into energizing opportunities. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral explore the powerful impact of language on motivation and energy at work. Building on last episode's Motivation …

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Take Charge: Small Shifts to Grow Your Autonomy 11:28

3M ago11:28

11:28

Send us a text If you’ve ever wanted more ownership in your work or home life, this episode is for you. We’ll walk through a quick autonomy audit - a simple way to discover and grow your personal agency, starting today. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica dive into what it means to be a “manager of one” - someone who brings …

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Motivation Mapping: Leading with Purpose 8:51

3M ago8:51

8:51

Send us a text When was the last time work truly energized you? Today, discover how to pinpoint what’s fueling you and learn practical ways to reconnect with your deepest motivators - so your work supports both your goals and your values. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral reveal how you can use the Motivation M…

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Scaling Your Skills: Feedback & Mentorship That Works 9:25

4M ago9:25

9:25

Send us a text Feedback and mentorship aren’t just buzzwords - they’re the shortcuts to better skills, stronger confidence, and real momentum. Discover a simple, practical approach that makes getting feedback and finding a mentor less intimidating - and highly actionable! In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral dig i…

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GSB at 100: The Magic 20:44

4M ago20:44

20:44

This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of GSB at 100, a limited audio series created especially for Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Centennial. GSB at 100 presents a scrapbook of memories, ideas, and breakthroughs, as the GSB celebrates its first century and looks around the corner to what the next hundred years may hold. The first e…

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Don’t Keep It to Yourself! Creating a Culture of Shared Learning 12:18

4M ago12:18

12:18

Send us a text What if the fastest way to master any skill was to teach it to someone else? This episode reveals how sharing your learning not only helps others – it solidifies your own growth, strengthens your team, and can transform your workplace culture. Are you holding on to valuable insights, or passing them along? In this special round-up ep…

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5 Strategies for Integrating New Skills into Daily Practice 10:56

4M ago10:56

10:56

Send us a text Are you ready to move from “learning” into doing ? Today we're sharing 5 strategies that can help you integrate new skills into your daily practice, to reduce that overwhelm and remember what you've learned. Co-hosts Jessica and Coral are here to show us how to keep that momentum going, so those skills don't just stay in a notebook, …

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From Outreach to Impact: Extension’s Role with Military-Connected Communities. With Rachel Brauner and Karrie Calloway 30:40

4M ago30:40

30:40

Send us a text This episode of Practicing Connection explores the incredible bridge-building work happening in Texas with guest Karrie Calloway - military liaison, educator, chef, and advocate - who doesn’t just connect resources, but transforms lives. Join host Jessica Beckendorf and guest co-host Rachel Brauner for a compelling conversation today…

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From Networking to Meaningful Connections: Learning Together 6:38

4M ago6:38

6:38

Send us a text Professional development isn’t just about the content - it’s about the people. Whether it’s a quick follow-up question, a shared takeaway, or an invitation to debrief, connecting with others during a learning event can spark fresh ideas, deepen your understanding, and expand your network in a meaningful way. In this episode of the Pr…

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View From The Top: “Lisa Su Is Still Curious About How Things Work” 56:14

5M ago56:14

56:14

This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of View From The Top: The Podcast, an audio series featuring leaders from around the world in conversation with MBA students. Recorded live at the CEMEX Auditorium at Stanford Graduate School of Business, episodes feature insights on effective leadership, the values that guide it, and lessons learned a…

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Military Kids and Public Schools: Finding Common Ground Together. With Mark Paolicelli and Dulce Carrillo 41:01

5M ago41:01

41:01

Send us a text When a redistricting proposal put military children’s routines at risk, two communities came together, transforming crisis into collaboration. Discover how a proactive partnership made all the difference. Jessica Beckendorf welcomes Mark Paolicelli (former Deputy Base Commander for joint base Meyer-Henderson Hall) and Dulce Carrillo …

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Turn Learning into Action with "Spark, Shift, Share" Notetaking 9:08

5M ago9:08

9:08

Send us a text Do you ever sit through a workshop, scribble endless notes, and then never look at them again? Discover a notetaking method that helps you capture what matters - and actually use it. Get ready to spark ideas, shift your mindset, and share your growth with others! In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral…

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The Joy of Discovery and Why Research Matters 16:25

5M ago16:25

16:25

As we celebrate the conclusion of the second season of the If/Then podcast, we present a bonus episode featuring Deborah H. Gruenfeld, the Joseph McDonald Professor and Professor of Organizational Behavior and a Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Gruenfeld, who appeared on the first season of If/Then…

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Meaningful Growth: How to Make the Most Out of Every Learning Opportunity 10:37

5M ago10:37

10:37

Send us a text Are you tired of leaving conferences or trainings feeling overloaded - like you missed what mattered most? Today, we reveal a simple, powerful practice that can turn every professional development opportunity into meaningful, actionable growth. Get ready to take charge of your learning with intention! In this episode of the Practicin…

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The Mid-Year Check-In: Reflect, Recalibrate, Recommit 10:23

5M ago10:23

10:23

Send us a text Are you moving through the year on autopilot, or making the most of your intentions? Take a purposeful pause with us with this guided mid-year check-in designed to help you reflect on the year’s journey so far, realign your goals, and reset your intentions for a thriving second half of the year. In this episode of Practicing Connecti…

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The Future of Everything: "The Future of Motivation" 34:02

5M ago34:02

34:02

This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of The Future of Everything, a podcast hosted by Stanford School of Engineering professor and friend of the show Russ Altman. Everyone has goals — some are monumental, others modest — but every goal matters. Szu-chi Huang, an associate professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business, is …

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Easy Priority Setting with the Wheel of Life 14:24

6M ago14:24

14:24

Send us a text Coming out of summer vacation? The Wheel of Life helps you find your focus and structure again, and sort through the to-do list! In this replay episode of Practicing Connection, originally published in January, 2025, hosts Coral Owen and Jessica Beckendorf introduce the Wheel of Life as a simple tool to help set priorities and find b…

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Partnering on Early Education for Military Kids 37:57

6M ago37:57

37:57

Send us a text The collaboration you'll hear about in this episode not only filled a critical gap for military families, but also strengthened the bonds between the base and the local community. In this replay episode, originally published in July, 2024, co-hosts Bob Bertsch and Jessica Beckendorf talk with Lisa Sapp and James Yracheta about a coll…

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Improve Your Feedback with Gratitude and Vulnerability 15:00

6M ago15:00

15:00

Send us a text Feedback, when it's done well, can energize, motivate and strengthen our relationships - whether at work, at home, or in our communities. But it's not always easy. In this replay episode from early 2024, hosts Bob Bertsch and Jessica Beckendorf explore the nuances of giving and receiving feedback, to make feedback less stressful and …

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Think Fast, Talk Smart: "Ambiguity to Action: Tensions and Trade-Offs of Leadership and Communication" 23:45

6M ago23:45

23:45

This week on If/Then, we’re sharing an episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, a podcast hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer and friend of the show, Matt Abrahams. How do you communicate with others when you’re confused yourself? For fellow GSB lecturer Rob Siegel, leadership isn’t about avoiding uncertainty: it’s about embracing the…

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The Power of Care: Building Trust That Lasts 13:24

6M ago13:24

13:24

Send us a text What if the most powerful way to build trust was also the simplest: showing genuine care for others’ concerns and interests? This week, we’ll share two easy practices you can use right away to make care the foundation of every relationship. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica explore the fourth distinction of …

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Clarify Your Capabilities: Building Trust Through Competence 9:49

7M ago9:49

9:49

Send us a text Did you know that trust isn’t just about what you can do, but also about how honest you are about your limits? This week, we’ll share a simple practice to help you build trust through clarity, confidence, and communication. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral explore how competence, one of the four key distinc…

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Culture Still Eats Strategy For Breakfast 29:54

7M ago29:54

29:54

Do you stick to the rules or do you roll through stop signs? Whether you’re “tight” or “loose” — how closely you adhere to social norms — has major implications for your life at home and at work. “To be effective, we want to be ambidextrous,” says Michele Gelfand, the John H. Scully Professor in Cross-Cultural Management and Professor of Organizati…

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Reliability in Action: Why Clear Requests Matter 9:51

7M ago9:51

9:51

Send us a text Have you ever felt let down by someone who didn’t follow through - or realized you misunderstood what was asked of you? This episode reveals why reliability starts with clear requests, and how a few mindful tweaks to your communication can build trust and prevent frustration. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessic…

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Practicing Sincerity - Say What You Mean 8:41

7M ago8:41

8:41

Send us a text Ever left a conversation wishing you’d said what you really meant? This week, we’ll show you a simple practice to help you notice - and close - the gap between your true thoughts and your spoken words, so you can build trust through greater sincerity. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral dive into one of the fo…

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The AI Prescription for Healthcare 27:40

7M ago27:40

27:40

AI has the potential to reshape medicine. But translating its promise into solutions for providers and patients is a high-stakes challenge. “There’s a lot more problems than solutions available,” says Mohsen Bayati, the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Professor of Operations, Information & Technology at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “So it’s ripe f…

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Trust as a Practice: Lessons from the Experts, with Charles Feltman and Ila Edgar 35:27

7M ago35:27

35:27

Send us a text What if trust wasn’t just a feeling, but a set of skills you could build, repair, and strengthen - on purpose? In this special episode of Practicing Connection, hosts Jessica Beckendorf and Coral Owen sit down with Charles Feltman, author of The Thin Book of Trust, and Ila Edgar, founder of Big Change Inc. and co-hosts of the Trust o…

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Plan With Purpose: The POP Framework for Effective Meetings 13:16

7M ago13:16

13:16

Send us a text What if every meeting you planned had a clear purpose, a focused outcome, and left everyone energized instead of drained? Today, we’ll show you a simple framework to make every gathering count. Tired of meetings that go nowhere? In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica reveal how the POP (Purpose, Outco…

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Designing the AI Organization 26:35

8M ago26:35

26:35

“The way I think about trying to anticipate and shape the AI future requires us to take a step back and ask ourselves first, ‘What does this technology do? What does it enable?’” reflects Amir Goldberg, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “That’s very different from asking ourselves, ‘How is the technolog…

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Planning for Possibilities: A Perspective-Shifting Practice 9:46

8M ago9:46

9:46

Send us a text What if you could quiet the ‘what-ifs’ and help your team face tough decisions with clarity and confidence? Today, we’re sharing a simple scenario planning practice that brings perspective to uncertainty-so you can plan for whatever comes next. Coral and Jessica introduce a practical scenario planning tool: Best, Worst, Most Likely C…

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Navigate Transitions with Both/And Thinking 9:42

8M ago9:42

9:42

Send us a text Are you feeling stuck in an either/or mindset during challenging transitions? Discover how both/and thinking can help you lead with flexibility and compassion. In today's practice, Coral guides us through a transformative action that can bring more connection and possibility into your daily life. Co-hosts Jessica and Coral explore th…

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What Happened to the Middle? 30:07

8M ago30:07

30:07

Neil Malhotra, the Edith M. Cornell professor of political economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business, aims to identify the nature of our tumultuous political moment in his work. In this episode, Malhotra explores rising distrust, shifting political identities, and what these changes mean for individuals — and businesses. Plus, the billion-dol…

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Build Team Cohesion with "Hippopotamus Days" 10:23

8M ago10:23

10:23

Send us a text What if a single phrase could transform your team’s understanding and support for each other on tough days? Discover how “Hippopotamus Days” can build connection, understanding, and trust - one inside joke at a time. Building team cohesion isn’t just about big events or trust falls - it’s about the small moments of understanding that…

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Temperature Checks for Change: Staying Grounded Through Uncertainty 9:53

8M ago9:53

9:53

Send us a text When change is the only constant, how do you keep yourself - and your team - grounded and connected? In this episode, we explore simple, powerful check-in practices that help leaders and teams navigate uncertainty with empathy, awareness, and trust. Transitions and uncertainty are part of every leader’s journey. In this episode of Pr…