Best Dan Rutstein Podcasts (2025)

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Gilbert Enoka: The Mind Behind the All Blacks 51:31

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1h ago51:31

51:31

What makes the All Blacks the most successful international sporting team of all time? For Gilbert Enoka, who spent 23 years shaping their mindset and culture, the answer begins within. In September, when Luke walked into Aleda’s leadership conference in London, the Head Coach of the United States Women’s National Team, Emma Hayes, was clutching Gi…

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Dr Ayesha Khanna: How to Build Big with AI and Lead with Humanity 41:27

27m ago41:27

41:27

What should leaders actually do with AI this year? In this conversation, futurist and CEO Dr Ayesha Khanna gives Luke clear, practical steps for small teams and big organisations: start with personal productivity, build safe team workflows, then move to data-driven pilots that serve customers first. Ayesha explains why governance must sit beside in…

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Jacinda Ardern: The Cost and the Power of Compassionate Leadership 30:48

2d ago30:48

30:48

Few leaders have captured the world’s attention quite like Jacinda Ardern has! As Prime Minister of New Zealand, she became known for her compassion, her decisiveness, and her ability to lead through crises with grace. Now, after stepping away from politics, Jacinda is finding new ways to influence change - through her work at Harvard, her continue…

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Jeremy Kodomichalos: There’s No Standard Path in Life or Business 54:45

9d ago54:45

54:45

What does it take to lead with clarity in a world that celebrates complexity? Jeremy Kodomichalos spent over a decade helping shape Google’s strategy and operations across Australia and New Zealand. He’s known for his calm, collaborative approach to leadership - one grounded in curiosity, problem-solving and humility. In this conversation, Jeremy r…

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Adam Driussi: The Moment AI Saved My Company a Million Dollars 42:06

30d ago42:06

42:06

What happens when a data scientist steps into the boardroom and the locker room at the same time? Adam Driussi, co-founder and CEO of Quantium and chairman of the Canterbury Bulldogs, shares how he’s using artificial intelligence to shape both business and sport. Adam explains why leaders shouldn’t feel “aged-out” of AI, how simple it is to get sta…

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Dr Tim McGrath: How to Beat Burnout and Find Balance at the Top 34:57

1M ago34:57

34:57

How do you stay driven and ambitious... without burning yourself out on your way? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy sits down with Dr Tim McGrath, Senior Director of Player Health and Performance for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. With a career spanning the AFL, NRL, NBA and now the NFL, Tim has spent decades helping athletes and …

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Jenny Boucek: How Servant Leadership Takes You to the Highest Level 43:28

1M ago43:28

43:28

By Aleda

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Curtis McGrath: Finding Purpose When the World Falls Apart 43:41

2M ago43:41

43:41

Thirteen years ago, Curtis McGrath lay on a battlefield in Afghanistan, having just lost both legs to an IED. As his mates carried him away, he promised they would see him at the Paralympics. He kept that promise ... FOUR gold medals later, Curtis is one of the most dominant paracanoe athletes in history. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Curt…

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Dan Rutstein: British Diplomacy to American Soccer Leadership 1:03:27

2M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

What do whiskey, Madonna’s bagpipe player, and American soccer have in common? The answer: today's guest, Dan Rutstein! A former British diplomat and award-winning journalist, Dan is now President of Orange County Soccer Club, where he’s overseen record crowds, commercial growth, and a remarkable transformation of the club. Along the way he’s also …

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Emma Hayes LIVE from London: For Women, By Women, Football & Beyond 1:11:33

2M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

How do you reshape an entire sport through a female lens? Recorded LIVE in London on 5 September 2025 at Lead Better, Live Better - a transformational leadership and wellness conference co-created by Aleda and Live Love Better - Emma Hayes shares her journey from a career-ending injury at 17 to leading Chelsea and now the US Women’s National Team. …

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Steve Kerr & Mikel Arteta LIVE: The Leadership Playbook 1:11:58

2M ago1:11:58

1:11:58

How do you create a culture your people love to walk into AND still win when it matters most? Recorded LIVE in London on 5 September 2025, 'Steve Kerr & Mikel Arteta: The Leadership Playbook' brings two elite coaches together for a rare, unguarded conversation about modern leadership. Brought to you by Aleda, in collaboration with Live Love Better,…

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Take 147 - Special Episode. Martyn Robertson and Gordon Mackay. Make it to Munich. 39:59

2M ago39:59

39:59

We talk to filmmaker Martyn Robertson and sports surgeon Gordon Mackay about the inspiring feature doc Make it to Munich. In a crossover episode we talk Hollywood and whisky, pioneering surgeries and telling stories with heart. They explain how the extraordinary story of a young man’s courage to overcome life-changing injuries has ended up at the C…

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Take 146 - Director, Producer, Writer Nick Verso, Boys in the Trees, Invisible Boys 42:37

2M ago42:37

42:37

He was told he had no future in the entertainment business and yet Australian Nick Verso has gone on to have a stellar career. In this episode we talk about dealing with such raw rejection, how he found his place in the business and also the other early project that was turned down - and the apologies he has had about that since. We talk about why …

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Natalie Kyriacou: Leadership during the Climate Crisis 44:12

2M ago44:12

44:12

How do you inspire people to care for a world they forget they are a living, breathing part of? Natalie Kyriacou OAM, founder of My Green World, Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree and recipient of an Order of Australia Medal, has spent her life answering that question. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, she joins Luke to share how a childhood passion …

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Jack Preddey: Training Your Mind Like an Elite Athlete 36:42

3M ago36:42

36:42

What if we trained our minds with the same dedication we bring to our bodies? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Jack Preddey, founder of Optimize Mind Performance, to explore why mental skills training has become as crucial as physical preparation for peak performance. Jack opens up about building a business that transforms…

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Jamila Rizvi: Leadership, Legacy, and Living With a ‘Broken Brain’ 53:55

3M ago53:55

53:55

What happens when a life devoted to shaping national conversations is suddenly interrupted by a diagnosis that changes everything? Jamila Rizvi has spent her career steering the agenda on gender equality, parenting, politics, and power. A bestselling author, speaker, and advocate, she started out as a political staffer in the Rudd and Gillard gover…

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Dr Craig Challen: Leadership When the Stakes Are Life and Death 45:35

3M ago45:35

45:35

What does it take to make life-or-death decisions when the world is watching? According to today’s guest - it’s every single thing that you have achieved, all the choices you have made and all the moments you have learned from in the years leading up to that moment. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke speaks with Dr Craig Challen - veterina…

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Take 145 - Story Editor (Head Writer) James Eason-Garcia, Ironman and his Awesome Friends, Star Wars Young Jedi Adventures 47:34

3M ago47:34

47:34

We talk to the incredible, passionate and enthusiastic James Eason-Garcia, co-EP of Ironman and his Awesome Friends. Noah and I geek out a little and cover both James' career while also asking superhero and Jedi questions of a man who has special access to both of those worlds. We talk about his journey from fan to working on these projects, the ex…

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Lucinda Hartley: How Our Spaces Shape The People We Become 40:05

3M ago40:05

40:05

What if our neighbourhoods are just as important to our health as our diet or exercise? Urban futurist and tech entrepreneur Lucinda Hartley has spent her career reimagining the cities we live in and in this episode of Empowering Leaders, she joins Luke Darcy to explore what it takes to build places that truly support human wellbeing. Lucinda has a…

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Todd Duncan: The 10 Word Question You Need To Ask Every Client 54:58

4M ago54:58

54:58

What if every conversation is a transaction - but connection is the only currency that matters? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy is joined by Todd Duncan - world-renowned mindset coach, NYT bestselling author and global speaker - whose work on transformation, leadership and culture has impacted millions around the world. As the fou…

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Michael Cheika: Leading Across Cultures - What Business Can Borrow From Sport 46:34

4M ago46:34

46:34

What does it take to lead at the highest level, consistently - across teams, cultures and continents? Michael Cheika has coached national rugby sides in Australia, Argentina and Lebanon, but his leadership journey began much earlier - shaped by the resilience, humility and drive of his immigrant upbringing in Western Sydney. In this episode of Empo…

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Yasmin Poole: How to Speak Up - Even When It’s Hard 45:47

4M ago45:47

45:47

From busking in a bushfire-prone town in country Victoria to speaking on international stages like the UN, APEC and G20, Yasmin Poole has become one of Australia’s most compelling young voices for justice, inclusion, and systemic change. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with the award-winning speaker, writer, advocate and Rhode…

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Mike Hussey: How to Lead When the Heat Is On 55:42

4M ago55:42

55:42

What does it take to stay calm under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and lead with humility? In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Mike Hussey, Mr Cricket himself, for a conversation that goes far beyond the boundary line. Known for his resilience, consistency and quiet strength, Mike reflects on the long road to his debut…

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Aubrey Pleasant: The NFL Coach’s Emotional Intelligence Playbook 42:29

5M ago42:29

42:29

Aubrey Pleasant has worked with some of the biggest names in the NFL, but it’s his emotional intelligence, presence and care for people that really set him apart. In this conversation on Empowering Leaders with Luke Darcy, the NFL coach opens up about the path that shaped him: from the classroom to the locker room, from ancient wisdom to modern lea…

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Brad Harrison: A Warrior’s Take on AI, Ayahuasca, and the Future of Defence 55:51

5M ago55:51

55:51

Brad Harrison is not your typical venture capitalist. A decorated US Army Airborne Ranger and West Point graduate turned founder of Scout Ventures, Brad now sits at the cutting edge of national security, investing in the technologies shaping our future—AI, space, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems. But beyond the battlefield and boardroom, Brad’…

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Take 144 - Showrunner, Writer Tony Ayres, The Slap, The Survivors 44:19

5M ago44:19

44:19

We talked to Australian showrunner and writer Tony Ayres. He talks about his Netflix show The Survivors, comparing himself to others and the balance between commerce and art. We explore his Chinese-Australian roots, the benefits and disbenefits of being niche and how Australia sees Hollywood and Hollywood sees Australian. We also cover the changing…

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Julian Treasure: The Real Power Move? Saying Less, Listening Better 52:26

5M ago52:26

52:26

What if the most powerful tool in leadership isn’t what you say — but how you listen? Julian Treasure’s TED Talk “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen” has been viewed more than 50 million times, making it the 6th most-watched TED Talk of all time. Why? Because in a noisy, distracted world, the ability to speak with purpose AND listen with in…

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Dr. Peter Rea: Ask Your Kids This Instead - The 3 Questions That Cut Anxiety & Build Character 55:01

5M ago55:01

55:01

What if being a better human is the most underrated performance tool of all? In this episode, leadership expert and author Dr. Peter Rea joins Luke Darcy to explore why character - not talent - is the real game-changer in leadership, teamwork, and parenting. Drawing from years of teaching and research, Peter breaks down how timeless virtues like co…

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Bec Daniher: Why Action Speaks Loudest — $115M and Counting 32:05

6M ago32:05

32:05

In this powerful episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Bec Daniher, Executive Director of Fight MND and daughter of AFL legend Neale Daniher. Recorded and released just days ahead of Big Freeze 11 on June 9, this conversation explores Bec’s personal and professional journey as she leads the fight against one of the world’s most brutal …

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Dr. Ben Hamer: AI + Gen Z = the End of Business as Usual 44:41

6M ago44:41

44:41

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke is joined by Dr. Ben Hamer, a leading sociologist and futurist, to explore the seismic changes redefining work, leadership, and life in the 21st century. Ben discusses the evolving role of AI and predicts a future where autonomous agents play a key part in our daily lives. He also outlines the critical sk…

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Dixie Marshall: The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 51:55

6M ago51:55

51:55

Can you have a big career, raise a family, and still feel like yourself at the end of the day? For Dixie Marshall, the answer is yes - and she’s done it with her signature mix of courage, clarity, and collaboration. In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Dixie shares her incredible journey from becoming Australia’s first female AFL boundary rider t…

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Take 143 - Writer Daniel Casey, 10 Cloverfield Lane, F9 47:07

6M ago47:07

47:07

We bring on the fascinating Daniel Casey. He tells us his Hollywood origin story, giving up directing to get a script moving, his route to F9 and the excitement of working on a serious franchise. Daniel talks about the exciting of being on the set of a $250m movie, how nice Fast and Furious fans were and how close he came to running out of money an…

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Andy Walshe: Has Human Potential Peaked? 53:32

6M ago53:32

53:32

In this mind-expanding episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Dr. Andy Walshe, one of the world’s foremost experts on elite human performance. In this conversation, Andy invites us to reimagine performance—not as a solitary pursuit, but as a collective journey toward becoming more human in an increasingly technological world. With over …

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Take 142 - Actor, Writer, Director, Author, Producer Eriq La Salle, Coming to America, On Call 47:34

6M ago47:34

47:34

We are delighted to have the legendary Eriq La Salle on the show. The talented actor, writer, producer, director and novelist joins us to talk about his illustrious career, the power of storytelling and his love of acting but not necessarily some of the business of acting. We talk about a writing rejection leading to acting, an acting rejection lea…

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Lorena Bernal: Authenticity Over Perfection 47:04

7M ago47:04

47:04

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke sits down with Lorena Bernal—a celebrated actress, model, and entrepreneur whose life and work are rooted in elegance, intention, and inner strength. With a career that spans global television hits like CSI: Miami, NCIS, and Chuck, as well as appearances on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, and more, Lore…

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Vincent Fantauzzo: The bravery, beauty and brilliance of a neurodivergent mind 53:19

7M ago53:19

53:19

In this episode, Luke sits down with one of Australia’s most celebrated portrait artists, Vincent Fantauzzo. Known for capturing the souls of icons like Heath Ledger, Paul McCartney, and Australia’s first female Prime Minister - Julia Gillard, Vincent shares the raw and deeply personal journey behind his acclaimed work. From his early life in Melbo…

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Pippa Grange: Leading with Soul in a World Obsessed with Winning 47:49

7M ago47:49

47:49

In this episode, Luke Darcy is joined by Dr. Pippa Grange—renowned psychologist, author, and culture coach—for a moving and enlightening conversation on the soul of sport, the power of vulnerability, and the true meaning of performance. Best known for her groundbreaking work with England’s national football team, Pippa helped shift their fear-drive…

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Bruce McAvaney: The voice behind the most unforgettable moments in Australian sport 56:17

7M ago56:17

56:17

In the world of sports broadcasting, they don’t come much more accomplished - or beloved - than the one and only Bruce McAvaney. Throughout his career, Bruce has covered an incredible 12 summer Olympic games, 20 AFL Grand Finals, the world swimming and world athletic championships, Rugby World Cup, Melbourne Cup and a slew of others. In this episod…

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Wil Anderson: "I'm a storyteller, not a documentarian!" 1:18:00

8M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke Darcy sits down with one of Australia’s sharpest and funniest stand-ups—comedian and TV host Wil Anderson. From growing up on a farm in country Victoria to making it big on stage and screen, Wil shares the real story behind the laughs and sheds some light on the gray area of comedians crossing the line. T…

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Tyson Ballard: Innovating at the crossroads of Law, AI & Lifestyle 54:45

8M ago54:45

54:45

In this episode of Empowering Leaders, host Luke Darcy sits down with Tyson Ballard, a visionary entrepreneur, legal tech innovator, and creative force shaping industries from law to music, lifestyle, and business transformation. As the founder and CEO of Stella Legal, Tyson is revolutionizing legal operations with AI-driven solutions. Beyond the l…

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Take 141 - Arika Lisanne Mittman, Writer, Showrunner, Timeless, La Brea, The Irrational 48:29

7M ago48:29

48:29

We talk to The Irrational Showrunner Arika Lisanne Mittman. She talks about her ten years as an assistant, finally getting her break and what she learned along the way. We discuss the rise and fall of network television, what the industry learned from the strike and whether she's any good at firing people (she's not!). Arika talks about her strengt…

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Mike Brey: From Notre Dame to the NBA 51:10

8M ago51:10

51:10

Mike Brey is a coaching legend. As the all-time winningest coach in Notre Dame history, he transformed the Fighting Irish into a powerhouse, guiding them to 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, multiple Sweet 16s, and back-to-back Elite Eight runs. Known for his loose yet fiercely competitive coaching style, Mike has mentored countless players, instille…

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Take 140 - Showrunner Joe Wilson, The Equalizer 47:17

8M ago47:17

47:17

We talk to Equalizer showrunner Joe Wilson. In one of our most candid episodes so far, he talks about his journey from East Cleveland to Hollywood, the tough days at the start and even sleeping in his car. He explains how he got his break, how he is treated when he goes home and what sort of showrunner he aspires to be. We talk cool Hollywood momen…

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Paul Barnes: Navigating the Fast Lane of Formula One 54:08

8M ago54:08

54:08

What does it take to keep a world-class Formula One team moving? In this exclusive live episode hosted by Victoria University, Paul Barnes, Director of Support and Logistics at McLaren Racing, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the immense planning and coordination required to compete at the highest level of motorsport. With over two decades a…

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Matchday 35 - Danny Stone, Orange County SC Head Coach 57:21

8M ago57:21

57:21

In a rare crossover episode, we combine American the Beautiful Game and United States of Dramerica and talk about football while drinking whisky. The guest is Danny Stone, head coach of Orange County Soccer Club. He drinks a Glenlivet 15 and we talk about the impact of the World Cup in America, his coaching strengths and weaknesses and his love for…

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Take 139 - Co-Creators Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, On Call 52:45

8M ago52:45

52:45

It's always fun we have two guests on, particularly when they are talking about Wolf Productions first go at a streaming platform. We talk to showrunner Tim Walsh and co-creator Elliot Wolf about their new show On Call, making the most of the freedom of a streamer, whether the police in Long Beach still like them and how hard the industry is right …

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Tania Obst: From 23 Losses to Double Championship Glory 33:45

8M ago33:45

33:45

This week on the Empowering Leaders Podcast, Luke is joined by Tania Obst, a true powerhouse of Australian netball. From her early days as a talented player to becoming the head coach of the reigning premiers Adelaide Thunderbirds, Tania’s passion for the game and her players is inspiring. Coming from a family of sporting legends, with her father, …

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Take 138 - Showrunner, Writer Sally Bradford Mckenna, Will & Grace, Laid 47:24

8M ago47:24

47:24

We talk to Sally Bradford Mckenna, co-showrunner of the new Peacock show Laid. She explains how she first got her break, reluctantly, on Will & Grace, how her father's career helped shaped hers and why every show needs two showrunners. She talks about the evolution of comedy writing, difficult rooms early in her career and being brought in to solve…

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Behind the Politics: Peter Dutton on Family, Leadership, and Australia’s Challenges 52:13

9M ago52:13

52:13

In this exclusive episode, host Luke Darcy sits down with Peter Dutton, one of Australia’s most prominent political figures and Leader of the Opposition, for an in-depth conversation about his personal and professional life. As the nation eagerly awaits the call of an election date, Peter offers a candid look at his journey from humble beginnings i…

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Take 137 - Showrunner JJ Bailey, The Hunting Party 42:38

9M ago42:38

42:38

We talk to showrunner JJ Bailey. He talks about his new show The Hunting Party, finding a new angle for a procedural and the excitement of getting a new network show on air. We hear about the complexity of the showrunner role, learning a way round a writers room and whether you should write about your hobbies. Great insight from a man who seems too…