Best Brian Maze Podcasts (2025)

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186: Rare Earths, Energy, and the Green Agenda (Money Maze Allocator Summit 2025) 52:17

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1h ago52:17

52:17

On 30th September and 1st October 2025 we held our inaugural Money Maze Allocator Summit (MMAS). We gathered 120+ global investors & allocators - many of whom have been previous guests - for 2 days of fascinating investment discussions. It proved incredibly popular & much of that was a result of the quality of panels, moderators & topics! The moder…

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Episode 95: The future of convenience and category management with Bala Gurumoorthy 48:58

12h ago48:58

48:58

In this episode, Rachel Dalton and Barry Thomas sit down with Bala Gurumoorthy, VP of Category Management at Ferrero USA, to discuss the evolving landscape of convenience retail and the future of category management. Together, they uncover fantastic insights from the recent NACS event, Ferrero's approach to omnichannel strategy, and how category ma…

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The Entered Apprentice Mason Series – Part II: The Humility of Following 7:24

1d ago7:24

7:24

To follow well is to learn deeply. In this episode, we explore the relational dimension of the Entered Apprentice — the apprenticeship of humility, listening, and repetition. Progress in Masonry and in life begins when we release the need for mastery and learn to serve the work itself. This is where obedience becomes understanding. 🔑 Key Takeaways …

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The Entered Apprentice Mason Series – Part I: The Work of Beginning 7:17

3d ago7:17

7:17

Every Masonic journey begins with openness — the willingness to learn, to labor, and to make first attempts. In this episode, we explore the behavioral dimension of the Entered Apprentice: the mindset of curiosity and the courage to start imperfectly. True initiation is not marked by ceremony alone, but by the decision to engage with life as a lear…

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Dark Rhetoric Series – The Game of Definitions: When Meaning Becomes a Maze 7:16

6d ago7:16

7:16

When reason fails to persuade, some retreat into semantics. This episode explores the game of definitions — a rhetorical tactic that twists clarity into confusion. By constantly redefining words, manipulators trap conversations in endless loops, transforming truth-seeking into a contest of control. 🔑 Key Takeaways The game of definitions transforms…

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Dark Rhetoric Series – Baiting: How Provocation Becomes Power 7:04

8d ago7:04

7:04

Baiting is the dark art of pulling others off balance. In this episode, we unpack how manipulators provoke emotional reactions to seize control of the narrative. What begins as a seemingly innocent jab or challenge often becomes a battle for composure — a test of who can stay centered while the other weaponizes volatility. 🔑 Key Takeaways Baiting p…

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Dark Rhetoric Series – Ad Hominem: How Ego Replaces Evidence 7:03

10d ago7:03

7:03

When logic fails, ego often steps in. In this episode, we explore the ad hominem attack — the rhetorical sleight of hand that targets a person instead of their ideas. By shifting focus from argument to identity, manipulators trade truth for dominance, and discourse for dismissal. Recognizing this move is the first defense against its power. 🔑 Key T…

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Dark Rhetoric Series – Gatekeeping: How Power Hides Behind Standards 6:30

13d ago6:30

6:30

At its surface, gatekeeping appears to be about quality, tradition, or protecting standards — but beneath it lies a hunger for control. In this episode, we explore how gatekeeping functions as a subtle form of exclusion, transforming shared ideals into barriers. When standards become instruments of ego, the pursuit of excellence turns into the defe…

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185: RIT Capital Partners: Global, Unconstrained, Undervalued? A Conversation with Maggie Fanari (RIT CEO) 41:54

14d ago41:54

41:54

Founded in 1971 as the Rothschild Investment Trust, RIT Capital Partners PLC, continues today with a mandate to preserve and grow capital across generations through a multi-asset, global and unconstrained strategy. As one of the UK’s largest investment trusts, with total assets of approximately £4bn (over 20% of which is owned by family members), R…

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Dark Rhetoric Series – Tone Policing: How Control Masquerades as Civility 7:24

15d ago7:24

7:24

When emotion enters a conversation, truth often follows close behind — but so does discomfort. In this episode, we examine tone policing, a manipulative tactic that silences authenticity under the guise of calm. By exploring how this rhetorical maneuver transforms vulnerability into disqualification, we uncover what genuine civility truly demands o…

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Dark Rhetoric Series – Weaponized Ignorance: When Not Knowing Becomes a Shield 9:13

17d ago9:13

9:13

Ignorance can appear humble—an admission of “not knowing.” But when used strategically, it becomes a shield and a weapon: a way to flatten discourse, deflect accountability, or silence expertise. In this episode, we examine the mechanics of weaponized ignorance—how it masquerades as curiosity while concealing hostility—and what it takes to meet it …

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Liberation Begets Liberation 7:02

20d ago7:02

7:02

When you’ve untangled your own loops, you start to see the loops in others. Real help begins when projection ends—when you can observe behavior cleanly, without the need to rationalize, explain, or fix. In this episode, we explore how self-liberation becomes the groundwork for liberating others. The clearer you see, the more naturally you can act i…

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Episode 94: The industry scoop from Shoptalk, Groceryshop, and Velocity 51:56

20d ago51:56

51:56

In this special episode of Retail Sound Bites, we unpack the most compelling themes and takeaways from three powerhouse industry events—Shoptalk, Groceryshop, and Velocity. Hosts Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton are joined by two of Kantar's leading voices in shopper intelligence: Leigh O'Donnell, Head of Shopper and Category Insights, and Julie Crai…

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Everyone You Know Starts Out as an Imaginary Friend 7:03

22d ago7:03

7:03

Before we ever meet someone as they truly are, we meet the version of them in our minds—the story we create based on fragments, memory, and meaning. In this episode, we explore how relationships begin in imagination, shaped by projection, perception, and expectation. Freemasonry challenges us to see others—and ourselves—more clearly by learning to …

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We do live in a simulation - The real question is who's? 7:17

24d ago7:17

7:17

By Brian Mattocks

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Choosing Real Community Over Algorithms 8:45

27d ago8:45

8:45

Algorithms can provide us with endless streams of curated content, but they cannot replace authentic community. In this episode, we reflect on the difference between being passively fed online and actively engaging with real people—whether in Lodge, in gatherings, or even in authentic online spaces where relationships are mutual. Freemasonry calls …

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Episode 93: The forces shaping consumer demand with Oksana Sobol of Clorox 46:38

29d ago46:38

46:38

"Smaller households mean different product configurations, different product features, different ways of taking them to market… Even the fact of the aging population emphasizes certain categories and new benefits that these older consumers will desire. So, these forces point to new pockets of opportunity." In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, we …

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The Square and the Lens: Depths of Focus in the Craft 7:21

29d ago7:21

7:21

Focus is often misunderstood as an on-or-off switch—something you either have or don’t. In this episode, we reframe focus as a spectrum of depth: near, mid, and distant, across both time and space. Freemasonry teaches us to bring the Square to our focus, aligning our attention not just on what is immediate, but on what lies ahead, ensuring our work…

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Tracing the Path to This Moment 6:33

1M ago6:33

6:33

Every present moment is the result of countless causes: generations of ancestors, chance encounters, technological progress, and the choices we and others have made. In this episode, we pause to reflect on the extraordinary convergence that brings us here, now. The Craft reminds us that the present moment is sacred—an opportunity shaped by history …

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Beyond Silence: What Freemasonry Teaches About Risk and Openness 8:06

1M ago8:06

8:06

Silence can be powerful—but beyond silence lies the deeper work of vulnerability. In this episode, we examine what vulnerability really means, why it feels risky, and how openness allows us to grow in relationship with others. Freemasonry challenges us not only to be quiet in reflection but to risk exposure in ways that create genuine connection an…

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Episode 92: NeuroAI & The Future of Consumer Choice with Dr. A. K. Pradeep 47:10

1M ago47:10

47:10

What happens when neuroscience meets AI in the world of CPG? We sat down with Dr. Pradeep, CEO of Sensory AI and a pioneer in NeuroAI, to explore how the nonconscious mind and large language models are transforming innovation, marketing, and product development. 🎧 In this episode, you'll hear: Why "the action is in the nonconscious"—and how uncover…

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The Lodge in Stillness: Silence as a Tool for Growth 7:51

1M ago7:51

7:51

Silence is more than the absence of noise—it is a discipline, a tool, and a posture of openness. In this episode, we explore how cultivating silence creates space for reflection, helps us solve problems, and resists the distractions of modern life. Just as the Lodge is prepared for sacred work, so too must we prepare ourselves with the stillness ne…

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The Lodge and the Open Space: Making Room for Growth 7:49

1M ago7:49

7:49

Patterns and rituals give us structure—but they can also crowd out possibility. In this episode, we explore the Masonic lesson of creating space: setting aside time, habits, and expectations so new opportunities can arise. Just as the Lodge is a sacred space made ready for work, so too must we make space in our lives to welcome growth and transform…

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From Stone to Ashlar: Softening the Hardened Heart 7:12

1M ago7:12

7:12

In tumultuous times, it is easy to harden ourselves against pain and call it strength. But endurance without openness risks becoming pride in suffering for its own sake. In this episode, we explore how the Craft reframes suffering not as identity, but as catalyst—inviting us to soften the heart of stone and move toward refinement, compassion, and t…

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184: From Westminster to Silicon Valley: A Connected World at Risk - Sir Nick Clegg on threat to Global Connection in the Age of AI & Political Conflict. 1:18:49

1M ago1:18:49

1:18:49

It’s not every guest who would admit in their new book, with brutal honesty, “I’ve been vilified, satirised, protested against- a hate figure both on left and right.” But it is also uncommon, if not without precedent, for someone who has led their political party, been deputy Prime Minister for 5 years, to then re-invent themselves, chameleon-like,…

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The Pillar of Faith: Testing What We Truly Trust 7:10

1M ago7:10

7:10

Faith is more than religion—it is the unseen ground upon which we build our lives. In this episode, we explore faith as the foundation for identity, belief, and behavior. Freemasonry challenges us to examine what we actually place our trust in, and whether those foundations are strong enough to carry us through adversity, growth, and change. 🔑 Key …

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The Apron and the Ego: Rewriting the Story of Who We Are 7:46

2M ago7:46

7:46

Identity is less fixed than we imagine—it is the story we tell ourselves about who we are and who we want to be. In this episode, we explore the relationship between identity, ego, belief, and faith, and how Freemasonry challenges us to refine that story. Just as the apron marks a Mason’s work, so too does our self-story evolve as we discard what n…

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Cognitive Dissonance and the Work of the Craft 7:07

2M ago7:07

7:07

When our beliefs, identity, and behaviors don’t align, we face the uncomfortable tension of cognitive dissonance. In this episode, we examine how Masons often rewrite their identity narratives to justify behavior rather than making real change. The Craft calls us instead to reconciliation: to square our actions, refine our beliefs, and align our id…

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The Point Within the Circle: Reconciling Expressed Identity and Lived Belief 7:40

2M ago7:40

7:40

Identity is the story we tell ourselves and others. Belief is revealed by how we act. In this episode, we explore the tension between expressed identity and lived belief, and how Masonry challenges us to move beyond social labels toward a truer alignment. The conversation invites us to reflect on where our behaviors speak louder than our self-conce…

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183: How Good of a Communicator Are You? Messaging, Reputation, Trust & Strategy in the Age of AI - With Jen Prosek, CEO and Founder of Prosek 52:18

2M ago52:18

52:18

Today’s episode started as “Good Investor, Poor Communicator”, but as we researched this topic ahead of the conversation it became a bigger theme than simply, why at times, great investment managers are often less effective communicators. In this conversation, we explore how communication is changing; first in the asset management community as firm…

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Staying Unfinished - Holding Tension Between Work and Result 6:17

2M ago6:17

6:17

Advice often seems contradictory: focus on the work, but don’t ignore the results. This episode explores the paradox between process and outcome, using the Masonic lens of building a temple never truly complete. Through reflection and analogy, we consider how to balance patience with accountability—trusting the process without surrendering our resp…

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The Tyler’s Sword: Fear as Guardian of the Threshold 6:42

2M ago6:42

6:42

Fear is often painted as an enemy, but in truth it serves as one of our most vigilant protectors. In this episode, we explore fear as the Tyler’s Sword—standing guard at the threshold, sharpening our awareness, and signaling danger when it matters most. The challenge is learning when to let fear guide our vigilance and when to step past it into gro…

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Emotional Geometry: Giving Desire Its Shape 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

Desire is not inherently hedonistic or destructive—it is a force, like a line waiting for form. In this episode, we reframe desire as emotional geometry: a function that becomes meaningful only when given direction, boundaries, and proportion. By understanding the shape of our longings, we can refine raw appetite into purposeful action. 🔑 Key Takea…

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Emotional Logic: Understanding the Causes of How We Feel 7:19

2M ago7:19

7:19

Emotions feel immediate and uncontrollable—but Freemasonry reminds us that our long-term responses are shaped by our own discernment. This episode explores the logic behind our emotions, showing how circumstances may spark a reaction but our interpretations sustain it. By understanding emotional responsibility, we discover the power to refine our r…

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Episode 91: Unlocking new revenue growth in healthcare with Soda Health 47:00

2M ago47:00

47:00

Personalization, engagement, and "food as medicine" programs are shaping the future of preventive care. This episode features a conversation with Jared Childs and Julie Fleisher from Soda Health; a company focused on improving access to preventive healthcare through benefits platforms. Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton sat down with Jarden and Julie t…

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Depression, Endurance, and Growth: How to Know Which Is Which 8:08

2M ago8:08

8:08

Adversity is inevitable—but how we respond determines whether it becomes a weight, a test, or a path forward. In this episode, we distinguish between depression, endurance, and growth: three very different experiences that can look the same on the surface. The conversation challenges us to discern when we are stuck, when we are holding steady, and …

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182: Private Credit: Hype, Hazard, or the Next Big Thing in Long-Term Growth? With Huw Van Steenis, Vice Chair of Oliver Wyman. 51:42

2M ago51:42

51:42

When someone speaks with a deep of understanding of the banking and finance systems, is widely respected, and then expresses a strong but debatable view, about a developing asset class, we think it’s important to hear that voice and to challenge and distil its key messages. So in this episode we welcome back a former guest who appeared on the MMP i…

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The Rough Ashlar and the Burden: Making Sense of Challenge and Suffering 5:40

2M ago5:40

5:40

Life presents us with both chosen challenges and unchosen suffering. In this episode, we explore how Freemasonry helps us discern between the two, and how both play a role in shaping us into more refined stones. The conversation asks: what does it mean to grow through adversity, and how do we bear the burdens that are not of our choosing? 🔑 Key Tak…

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The Hoodwink and the Unknown: Learning to Trust Yourself 6:03

2M ago6:03

6:03

Self-trust is one of the most difficult—and most necessary—skills to develop. In this episode, we explore how risk-taking becomes the pathway to growth, why the unknown is a powerful tool, and how Freemasonry’s symbols remind us that trust is not blind, but cultivated through experience. Thank you Bro. Brenden P.M. Fritz Lodge #308 in Conshohocken …

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Beyond the Cornerstone: Why Leaders Must Build More Than One Pillar 7:30

2M ago7:30

7:30

Strong teams—and strong lodges—cannot rest on the shoulders of one or two exceptional members. In this episode, we explore the hidden risks of over-relying on “get it done” people, and how leaders can intentionally cultivate broader competence across their membership. The conversation challenges leaders to think beyond efficiency and toward sustain…

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Beyond Titles: What the Craft Teaches About Leading Well 8:32

2M ago8:32

8:32

Leadership in the Craft is more than a seat in the East—it’s a practice grounded in clarity, decisiveness, and service. This episode explores how to identify and resolve organizational friction, the importance of early wins, and the deeper responsibilities that come with guiding others in a Masonic context. 🔑 Key Takeaways True leadership starts wi…

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The Cycle of the Lodge: From Apprentice Eyes to Master’s Hands 7:31

2M ago7:31

7:31

Every Mason walks both paths: learning under guidance and leading with wisdom. This episode explores the cyclical nature of leadership and followership in the Craft—how the two inform each other, and how both are essential for the vitality of the Lodge. We look at the mentorship that shapes new Masons and the humility that sustains experienced lead…

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Beyond the Veil: What Freemasonry Demands Beyond Esotericism 6:19

3M ago6:19

6:19

Esotericism promises hidden power—but Masonry’s real strength comes from truths that have always been present. In this episode, we strip away the romantic fog of secrecy to uncover what remains when the illusion of “hidden knowledge” is gone. The conversation challenges listeners to anchor their work in what is real, enduring, and already within re…

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181: Wisdom From the Battle Hardened: Timeless Life & Career Insights from Top Global Executives 11:56

3M ago11:56

11:56

Enjoy a variety of career tips & life lessons from finance leaders in this compilation special. This episode brings together some of the most insightful lessons and perspectives we’ve gleaned from past guests, covering everything from life wisdom to industry-specific strategies. You’ll hear from an extraordinary lineup, including Peter Frankopan, R…

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From the Cave to the Lodge: Escaping the Shadows of Superstition 8:55

3M ago8:55

8:55

From childhood superstitions to unexamined beliefs in adulthood, our development follows a one-way path. Drawing on the Platonic allegory of the cave, this episode explores how we move from the shadows of illusion toward the light of agency — and why, once we’ve stepped into that light, we can’t truly return to the darkness. Through a Masonic lens,…

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Episode 90: Navigating Beauty's Retail Maze with Brian King of RoC Skincare 46:45

3M ago46:45

46:45

Agility drives challenger brand success in traditional retail – and the same holds true in beauty. Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton just wrapped an inspiring conversation with Brian King, chief customer officer at RoC Skincare, on Episode 90 of Retail Sound Bites. Brian shares his journey from leading teams at CPG legacy brands to scaling a challenge…

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The Pavement We Stand On: History as Context, Not Completion 7:45

3M ago7:45

7:45

Freemasonry treasures its history, but history alone is not the work. In this episode, we explore how fascination with the craft’s past—its legends, figures, and origins—can sometimes obscure the immediate labor of self-improvement. Using the Pavement as our guiding symbol, we reflect on how historical study provides the ground beneath our feet but…

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S5EP90 Guided Quail Hunting in New Mexico with Bob King of Santa Fe Guiding Company 1:15:08

3M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

Send us a text In this episode of Amaazen Outdoors, we’re excited to announce a new partnership with Bob King of Santa Fe Guiding Company. Join us as we dive into what makes New Mexico a prime destination for wild quail hunting. Bob shares his expert insights on the local terrain, hunting strategies, and what hunters can expect from this season’s g…

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Dialogue with the Disowned: The Second Person as Masonic Practice 7:36

3M ago7:36

7:36

Some voices within us remain silent—not because they have nothing to say, but because we’ve decided not to listen. In this episode, we explore the act of speaking from the perspectives we disown: parts of ourselves, others we reject, or emotions we avoid. By adopting the second person in writing and speech, we create space for these exiled parts to…