Best Rather Inventive Podcasts (2025)

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The Pleasures of Giving, Schnorring, and Saying Goodnight to the 'Shoebox' 15:31

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5h ago15:31

15:31

This is the first of six excerpts from an extraordinarily candid conversation with philanthropist and author Iris November and two of her daughters: the Rev. Rachel Hollander, also an author, and Anita Hollander, an actress and composer. All three are accomplished and delightful. This episode focuses primarily on Iris' book "Goodnight, Shoebox," de…

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From Arguments to Shared Goals 43:06

2d ago43:06

43:06

Every time you “win” an argument as a leader, you actually lose influence. In this episode I reveal why arguments sabotage trust, how to spot the ego traps that bait you in, and a proven redirect playbook to turn conflict into collaboration. You’ll leave with scripts, questions, and practical tools to lead with calm authority instead of loud author…

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With a Delightful Dash of Chutzpah, 3 Remarkable Women Tell Stories of Love, Loss and Legacy 1:20:48

9d ago1:20:48

1:20:48

Losing a loved one and losing a leg; picking up the pieces of a fractured life; creating beautiful things that serve others. These are only a few of the themes that emerged from this extraordinarily candid (and often funny) conversation with three members of a talented and accomplished family. In this episode, you'll hear from: - Iris November, a p…

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How to Have Difficult Conversations with Boss, Peer and Direct Report 24:49

7d ago24:49

24:49

One bad conversation can wreck a relationship you spent years building. In this episode I walk you through a practical roadmap for tough talks with direct reports, peers, and your boss so you protect respect, keep trust intact, and actually improve performance. You will get exact openers, EQ cues, and a simple four-step flow you can use today. What…

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De-Escalation Playbook for Leaders 22:45

16d ago22:45

22:45

Ever had a conversation go nuclear in 60 seconds flat? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, Vaughn Sigmon breaks down how great leaders turn explosive moments into opportunities for trust and clarity. Learn how to stop pouring gas on the fire and start becoming the calm thermostat your team needs when emotions run high. …

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The Right Way to Handle Conflict When Someone Is Clearly Wrong 27:48

29d ago27:48

27:48

In this power-packed episode of The Business Mechanic Show, Vaughn Sigmon uncovers the hidden fears behind why managers avoid difficult conversations—and gives you a bulletproof playbook for how to overcome them. From confronting an underperforming direct report to correcting a peer’s mistake, Vaughn explains how to step into these tough moments wi…

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Own It: Leadership Through Ownership 22:05

2M ago22:05

22:05

In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, the focus is all about real leadership—starting where excuses stop. It's a no-nonsense call to managers and leaders who are tired of feeling like they’re running an adult daycare. The message? Leadership isn’t about blame—it’s about ownership. And if you want better outcomes, stronger teams, and real r…

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How to Start Tough Conversations Without Triggering a Blow Up 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

How to Start Tough Conversations Without Triggering a Blow Up 📌 Episode Summary Most leaders avoid difficult conversations—and it’s costing them more than they realize. In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, Vaughn Sigmon reveals why managers procrastinate tough talks, how silence signals approval of bad behavior, and the exact 3-step frame…

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The Courage to Embrace Your Second Act 2:56

2M ago2:56

2:56

Patricia Falvey left a successful and financially rewarding career in accounting to do what she always wanted: write full time. She made this her second act and encourages others who have a dream to do all they can to pursue it. This episode is an excerpt from my full interview with Falvey titled "Author Patricia Falvey on Being Brave, Resilient, a…

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Goodness, Resilience and Paying It Forward 5:39

2M ago5:39

5:39

This episode is an excerpt from a longer interview with the novelist Patricia Falvey, a former accountant who now writes historical fiction. Here, we talk specifically about her latest book, "The Famine Orphans," which sounds like downer of a story but isn't because the focus is on the characters' resilience and their resistance to being victims of…

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Always a Writer at Heart 1:54

2M ago1:54

1:54

Patricia Falvey had a successful 30-year career in accounting, yet what she really wanted was to become a full-time writer. After taking a leap of faith to pursue her dream, she's happier and already has had five books published: "The Yellow House," "The Linen Queen," "The Girls of Ennismore," "The Titanic Sisters," and her latest, "The Famine Orph…

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Five Books and Counting: the Novels of Patricia Falvey 20:01

2M ago20:01

20:01

Hello, I'm the host of Everyday Creation. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing author Patricia Falvey. She and I covered a lot of territory in the full episode, including her successful 30-year career in accounting before she took a leap of faith to become a full-time writer. In this excerpt, Patricia talks about each one of her fiv…

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Stop Inventing Intentions 26:58

2M ago26:58

26:58

What if the biggest obstacle to a productive conversation… was the story in your head? In this powerful episode, the curtain gets pulled back on one of the most damaging habits in leadership: assuming intent. From ghosted emails to pushback in meetings, it’s easy to jump to conclusions. But when leaders start conversations like prosecutors instead …

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How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Making These Three Big Mistakes 30:29

2M ago30:29

30:29

In this episode of the Business Mechanic Show, the three hidden layers of every difficult conversation are broken down with precision. What often starts as a simple discussion about performance or behavior can quickly escalate when deeper emotions and identity concerns go unrecognized. This episode dives deep into why most managers mishandle tough …

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Author Patricia Falvey on Being Brave, Resilient, and Focused on Your Dream 54:28

3M ago54:28

54:28

Patricia Falvey is the author of five historical novels that focus on Irish history and ordinary characters living through major historical events, blending fact with fiction. Her latest, "The Famine Orphans," follows six characters — "orphan girls" — who take part in a real-life effort by the British government to decrease the number of orphans in…

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Why Most Managers Have Poor Outcomes From Difficult Conversations 18:12

3M ago18:12

18:12

This episode cuts straight to the heart of why difficult conversations so often go sideways for managers. It’s not just about saying the wrong thing—it’s about starting from the wrong mindset. Managers either avoid the talk entirely or come in too hot, trying to prove a point instead of seeking clarity. The result? Trust erodes, engagement drops, a…

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How To Disagree Without Being A Jerk 37:30

3M ago37:30

37:30

Disagreements are inevitable—but conflict doesn’t have to be destructive. In this episode, you’ll learn how to handle tough conversations with calm, clarity, and confidence. This isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about navigating it with emotional intelligence and real leadership. The conversation covers practical steps to remain in control, de-es…

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Small in Stature, Sugar Pie DeSanto Stood Tall with Talent, Athleticism and Songwriting Ability 2:19

3M ago2:19

2:19

Sugar Pie DeSanto was just under 5 feet tall, yet she had a powerful voice and a daring stage presence. She'd do back flips, splits, and stunts that included jumping off pianos. Signing with Chess Records led to DeSanto collaborating with major R&B and soul artists, including Etta James and James Brown. She toured with The James Brown Revue for two…

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Brewer & Shipley Didn't Take "One Toke Over the Line" Seriously, Then It Became a Hit 2:34

3M ago2:34

2:34

Mike Brewer began his music career writing songs and playing in coffee houses, eventually meeting Tom Shipley in Cleveland. They recorded their first album in 1968 and played mostly in Midwest college towns. Their song "One Toke Over the Line" was inspired by a backstage experience involving hashish. They wrote it in an hour and never thought to in…

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How to Have Productive Conversations Without Losing Your Cool 26:02

3M ago26:02

26:02

In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, we unpack what it really takes to navigate difficult conversations without losing your cool. This isn’t about walking in with a perfect script or powering through on assumptions. It’s about letting go of the need to be right—and embracing the discipline to actually listen, lead, and respond with clarit…

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Prince's Sister Tyka Nelson Performed Her Own Work and Didn't Ask Her Famous Sibling for Any Help 2:20

4M ago2:20

2:20

Tyka Nelson, Prince's younger sister, began writing songs at age 10. She and her brother wrote together when they were young, but later on, Nelson chose to establish her own identity. She released four solo albums with moderate success on the R&B charts but was primarily a songwriter. She enjoyed singing, she said, but did not consider herself a si…

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How Real Leaders Win Trust and Crush Difficult Conversations - Shut Up and Listen 34:01

4M ago34:01

34:01

If your team has gone quiet—less feedback, less engagement, less energy—it’s not a people problem, it’s a leadership issue. And it almost always comes back to one skill: listening. This episode flips the script on how most managers communicate. Too many are addicted to the sound of their own voice. Real leadership isn’t about telling. It’s about tu…

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The Many Achievements of Q, aka the Legendary Quincy Jones 2:35

4M ago2:35

2:35

At age 11, Quincy Jones found his purpose when he felt compelled to touch the piano at a local recreation center. It was a small gesture that set him on his way to a hugely successful music career. The first instrument he learned was the trumpet, and it didn't take him long to be good enough to play in jazz bands. From there, he went on to: - Colla…

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Phil Lesh Learned the Bass as a Member of the Grateful Dead and Mastered It In No Time 2:21

4M ago2:21

2:21

Phil Lesh originally played the trumpet and the violin. He learned to play the bass when he joined the Grateful Dead (then the Warlocks) in 1964. Jerry Garcia taught him how to play the instrument during one long lesson. Lesh's musical background in jazz and classical music influenced his bass playing. He also co-wrote several Grateful Dead songs, …

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You Don't Get What You Preach—You Get What You Tolerate 27:03

4M ago27:03

27:03

A team doesn't rise to what you say—they rise (or fall) to what you allow. In this episode, we cut through the noise and shine a light on a leadership truth most avoid: your culture is defined not by your words, but by your standards—and what you let slide. This episode explores how tolerating low standards, even occasionally, creates a ripple effe…

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Personal Struggles Led to an Untimely End for One Direction's Liam Payne 2:28

4M ago2:28

2:28

Liam Payne was a member of the English boy band One Direction, which was formed on Britain's "The X Factor" and became one of the world's hottest musical acts by 2011. The band achieved several historic chart milestones in the U.S., including multiple number one albums. Along with success, members faced personal struggles; Payne battled alcohol and…

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If You Want to Be a Leader, You’ve Gotta Embrace the Suck 30:22

4M ago30:22

30:22

Most people want to lead. Few are willing to go through what leadership truly demands. This episode lays down the truth: growth doesn't happen in comfort. It happens when you lean into discomfort, own your shortcomings, and take the reps that reshape who you are. Real leadership isn’t about feeling ready. It’s about showing up even when you’re not.…

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Cissy Houston Won 2 Grammy Awards Based on Her Own Sweet Inspiration 2:33

4M ago2:33

2:33

Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston, was a much in-demand backup singer who also won two Traditional Soul Gospel Grammy Awards. Cissy became a member of the Sweet Inspirations in 1963, joining her niece Dee Dee Warwick while replacing another niece, Dionne Warwick, who left the group for a solo career. The Sweet Inspirations' hit "(Gotta Find)…

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Your Team's Results are Your Results - How Do You Improve Team Performance? 27:58

4M ago27:58

27:58

This episode is a gut-check for every leader who wants to stop firefighting and start winning. If your team isn’t producing, if you’re spending more time chasing fixes than building success—this episode is the wake-up call. The truth? Your team’s performance is a direct reflection of your leadership. This no-fluff session walks through the real rea…

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How Elite Leaders Master Effective Communication 30:18

4M ago30:18

30:18

Communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about getting through. And if you’ve ever felt like your team just isn’t hearing you, this episode is the reset you need. This is a straight-talking breakdown of how high-level leaders use communication as their superpower. It’s not just feedback—it’s feedback that lands. It’s not just clarity—it’s expect…

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Despite All Expectations, Kris Kristofferson Achieved Success His Way 2:37

5M ago2:37

2:37

In college, Kris Kristofferson was a Rhodes scholar and a Golden Gloves boxer who also happened to play guitar and write music. After Oxford, he moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting and eventually managed to gain Johnny Cash's attention by delivering a demo tape by helicopter to Cash's home. Cash ended up recording Kristofferson's song "Sunday …

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As a Songwriter, J.D. Souther Soared Like an Eagle and Could Have Been One 2:21

5M ago2:21

2:21

Multi-instrumentalist J.D. Souther achieved his greatest musical success by writing songs for the Eagles and other 1970s rock stars. It was Souther who suggested that Linda Ronstadt hire Glenn Frey and Don Henley for her back-up band. That connection eventually led to the formation of the Eagles. Souther released his own albums to modest success. H…

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"It's My Fault" The Three Most Important Words in Leadership 40:38

5M ago40:38

40:38

Leadership transformation begins with one sentence: "It's my fault." In this high-impact episode, the conversation breaks down how radical ownership reshapes teams, builds trust, and ultimately turns average managers into respected, influential leaders. This isn't about blame. It's about empowerment. Through real-world examples and hard-hitting tru…

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With "Get It Baby," Tito Jackson was the Last of the Jackson 5 to Have a Solo Hit 2:26

5M ago2:26

2:26

The Jackson 5 started as a trio and became a quintet with the addition of Michael and Marlon. Older brother Tito was one of the group's original members. After his brothers pursued solo careers, he worked as a session musician and producer. Tito became a blues performer in 2003 and had his first commercial hit "Get It Baby" in 2016. The song reache…

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Sérgio Mendes Forged a Successful Career with Talent, Perseverance and a Little Help from Herb Alpert 2:31

5M ago2:31

2:31

Sérgio Mendes had a 60-year career, marked by perseverance and a decision to stay in the U.S. after a lukewarm tour. His success in the U.S. began after being signed by trumpeter Herb Alpert and forming Brasil '66 with two female singers. The group went on to have three Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and two Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100…

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Scott Simon's Piano Playing Added an "Extra Dose of Espresso" to Sha Na Na's Performances 2:19

5M ago2:19

2:19

Scott Simon joined Sha Na Na in 1970 after responding to an ad for a keyboard player; he stayed with the group until they stopped touring in 2022. The image in this episode's thumbnail is the cover of the album "Sha Na Na: Woodstock 20 Years After." Simon is pictured at the far left. In the chapters, there's also a photo of Simon signing autographs…

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A Guide to Emotional Intelligence 42:14

5M ago42:14

42:14

In this episode of The Business Mechanic Show, the truth about real leadership power gets exposed. It's not titles. It's not technical skills. It's Emotional Intelligence (EQ) — and those who master it dominate in today’s fast-moving, people-driven world. This isn’t another soft skills seminar. This is your playbook for developing emotional control…

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James Darren Wooed Fans with Acting, Singing and "Moondoggie" Good Looks 2:27

5M ago2:27

2:27

Actor and singer James Darren's breakthrough role was as Moondoggie in the 1959 film "Gidget," where he also sang the title song. The film was a hit, and he became a heartthrob. The image in this episode's chapters and thumbnail is an ABC Television photo of James Darren and Shelley Fabares on "The Donna Reed Show" in 1959. Darren had equal success…

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How COACHING Transforms Difficult People 22:45

5M ago22:45

22:45

What do you do with that one high performer who brings in results but burns bridges while doing it? The one who’s smart, essential even, but also impossible to coach, manage, or talk to? This episode tackles one of the most frustrating leadership challenges: managing the brilliant but toxic—and offers a real solution. This high-impact episode pulls…

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Maurice Williams' Song Stayed Around Long Enough to Become a Hit Multiple Times 2:23

5M ago2:23

2:23

The music career of Maurice Williams spanned more than six decades, with groups that evolved from the Junior Harmonizers to the Royal Charms, the Gladiolas and, finally, the Zodiacs. Williams recorded his first hit, "Little Darlin'," with the Gladiolas in 1957. The song reached number four on Billboard's R&B chart. He was only 17 in 1955 when he wr…

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John Mayall, the Godfather of British Blues, Influenced Such Mainstream Musicians as Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood 2:16

5M ago2:16

2:16

John Mayall's influence extended to such notable musicians of the 1960s and '70s as Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Mick Taylor. In October 2024, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a musical influencer. Mayall was known as the godfather of British blues. His music was not mainstre…

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The Communication Revolution 26:57

5M ago26:57

26:57

Most leadership breakdowns aren’t about strategy, skill, or resources—they’re about communication. In this episode, the host lays down a wake-up call for every manager who’s ever said, “I already told them what to do,” and then watched a project crash and burn. The truth? Talking doesn’t equal communicating. And assuming people “get it” is a fast t…

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Duke Fakir and the Rest of the Four Tops were the #1 Male Motown Act in England and #2 in the U.S. 2:18

6M ago2:18

2:18

Duke Fakir and his friends, Levi Stubbs, Obie Benson and Lawrence Payton, formed the Four Tops in Detroit. They became one of the biggest acts of the 1960s. "Reach Out I'll Be There" was their second #1 hit on the Billboard chart and the second Motown hit to top the UK charts. Go here to watch them performing the song on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1…

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EXPLODE YOUR SALES RIGHT NOW: The Absolute Fcking Truth About Leadership 52:56

6M ago52:56

52:56

In this firepower-packed episode, the truth gets laid bare—underperforming sales teams aren’t a people problem, they’re a leadership problem. This is a straight-talking, high-impact breakdown of how real sales transformation begins and ends with leadership execution. If you’ve ever blamed your team for missing the number, this episode will challeng…

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More Than a Backup Singer, Sandy Posey Had Her Own Top 20 Hits and also Sang Country and Gospel 2:10

6M ago2:10

2:10

Sandy Posey began her career as a session singer in Memphis, working with artists such as Percy Sledge and Elvis Presley. She had three top 20 hits in the 1960s: "Born a Woman," which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 1 million copies; "Single Girl"; and "I Take It Back." The image of Posey in this episode's chapters and th…

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Jerry Fuller Wrote "Travelin' Man" and Discovered Talent (Glen Campbell, others) in Unlikely Places 2:14

6M ago2:14

2:14

As a singer, Jerry Fuller had hits early in his career with "Betty, My Angel" and "Tennessee Waltz," but he made it big as a songwriter and producer. He wrote over 400 songs in eight years and discovered several talents, including Glen Campbell, the Knickerbockers, and Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. He produced the top 10 hits "Young Girl," "Lady Wi…

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There was Nothing Button-Down about Bob Newhart Except for the Titles of His Wildly Popular LPs 2:16

6M ago2:16

2:16

In 1961, Bob Newhart won a Grammy for Album of the Year for his first album, "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart," which topped the Billboard album chart for 14 weeks. His second album, "The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back," was rushed out and reached number two on the Billboard chart. The 1987 photo in this episode's thumbnail was taken by Alan Lig…

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Civil Rights Activist and Singer-Songwriter Bernice Johnson Reagon Understood the Power of Music 2:34

6M ago2:34

2:34

Bernice Johnson Reagon was multifaceted: a singer, songwriter, civil rights activist, historian, college professor, and documentarian. Born in Georgia during the dawning of the modern Civil Rights Movement, she recognized the power of music in activism and co-founded the Freedom Singers. The ensemble performed across the South and at the 1963 Newpo…

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Dave Loggins, Second Cousin to Kenny, Mastered the Art of Songwriting 2:30

6M ago2:30

2:30

Singer-songwriter Dave Loggins, a second cousin to Kenny Loggins, gained initial success when Three Dog Night recorded his song "Pieces of April." It reached 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. Dave Loggins went on to write 14 number one country hits for artists such as the Oak Ridge Boys, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire and Kenny Rogers. His duet wit…

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This Texas Icon was Part Serious, Part Satire and "Kinky" Through and Through 2:29

6M ago2:29

2:29

Kinky Friedman, who formed the band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, was known for outrageous song titles such as "Get Your Biscuits In The Oven and Your Buns In Bed" and "Ride 'em Jew Boy." He was a good writer not only of songs but also detective novels, stories for Texas Monthly and more. One of his pieces in the magazine was a beautifully …