Best Steve McGowan Podcasts (2025)

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Poppi: Allison and Stephen Ellsworth. From Farmers Market Vinegar Drink to $2B Soda Sensation 1:06:48

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11h ago1:06:48

1:06:48

A decade ago, Allison Ellsworth was drinking apple cider vinegar for health reasons and doctoring it with fruit so she could stand the taste. Her husband Stephen helped her turn it into a business by adding carbonation on a hacked soda line in their Dallas townhouse. They called it “Mother Beverage,” and sold out every week at the farmers market…bu…

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How to Use Emotions as Data | Dr. Marc Brackett 1:01:59

13h ago1:01:59

1:01:59

What if your emotions weren’t problems to fix, but signals to guide you? Dr. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel and Dealing with Feeling, joins AJ and Johnny to break down why most of us were never taught real emotional regulation—and how to finally build it. Marc shares t…

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Dr Richard Shepherd: Lessons from 23,000 Postmortems- including Hungerford, Hillsborough and Princess Diana 1:01:49

4d ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Britain’s leading forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd has performed over 23,000 postmortems and given evidence in some of the most high-profile cases of our time, from Hungerford to Hillsborough, from Princess Diana to David Kelly. But his fascination with death began much earlier, when his mother died suddenly from heart disease and he was le…

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Advice Line with Bobbi Brown of Jones Road Beauty 45:43

5d ago45:43

45:43

Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Jones Road Beauty, joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three early-stage entrepreneurs. Plus, Bobbi shares what drove her to found her new company — Jones Road — at the age of 62. First we meet Mark in Chicago, an orthopedic surgeon who’s looking to promote his cabbage-bas…

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299: The Science of Influence Every Leader Must Master – Steve Martin 51:38

3h ago51:38

51:38

To influence someone, we have to change their minds – or so we have been told. But what if that’s exactly why your message keeps falling flat? In this episode, you'll learn why changing minds is overrated – and how to be influential in today’s world. Our guest is Steve Martin, one of the world’s top minds in behavioral science and longtime business…

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The Hidden Language of Laughter | Social Intel Brief 8:42

5d ago8:42

8:42

What if laughter wasn’t just fun—but a social superpower? In this episode, AJ and Johnny unpack the science of laughter and why it’s one of the strongest signals of connection, trust, and influence. Far more than a reaction to humor, laughter is a primal bonding mechanism that makes you more memorable, likable, and magnetic. They break down why peo…

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Nirav Tolia: Nextdoor. How neighborhood chatter went global 1:08:05

8d ago1:08:05

1:08:05

Many of us don’t know our neighbors anymore — and Nirav Tolia wanted to change that. He walked away from millions in stock options at Yahoo and eventually co-founded Nextdoor, the hyperlocal social network where neighbors share local news and recommendations. Along the way, he learned that for a digital service, Nextdoor demanded a ton of manual wo…

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How to Connect Deeper in Minutes | Charles Duhigg 54:00

8d ago54:00

54:00

Why do some people make every conversation better? Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg (Supercommunicators, The Power of Habit) returns to reveal the science behind connection that anyone can learn. In this conversation with AJ and Johnny, Charles explains why “super communicators” aren’t extroverts or natural charmers—they’…

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Arabella Weir: At nine my mum said, “I can’t bear the sight of you” 1:00:56

11d ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Actor, comedian and bestselling author Arabella Weir grew up in a family that prized intellect and appearances but struggled to offer love. In this episode of Full Disclosure, she tells James O’Brien how an unsettled childhood shaped her fearless streak, her need to perform, and her instinct to turn pain into comedy. From the brutal remarks of her …

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Advice Line with Dave Weiner of Priority Bicycles 55:46

12d ago55:46

55:46

Priority Bicycles founder and CEO Dave Weiner joins Guy on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Dave shares his strategy for keeping sales steady and positioning Priority Bicycles for continued growth in uncertain or declining markets. First, we meet Dave from Rhode Island who’s trying to figure out how to brin…

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3 Low-Value Behaviors That Quietly Kill Your Respect | Social Intelligence Brief 10:48

11d ago10:48

10:48

Ever wonder why people don’t take you seriously—even when you’re smart and hardworking? In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal the three most common low value signals that quietly repel respect: being supplicative (begging for approval), combative (using force or intimidation), and competitive (constantly one-upping). Backed by research from UCLA, H…

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Carlton Calvin: Razor. The wild rise, collapse, and reinvention of a mobile toy empire. 1:13:50

14d ago1:13:50

1:13:50

In the summer of 2000, Razor scooters were everywhere—on sidewalks, in schools, even in Silicon Valley offices. At the center of it all was Carlton Calvin, an ex-lawyer turned toy mogul who had already ridden—and crashed—multiple crazes, from Pogs to yo-yos. Carlton knew how to spot what kids wanted before the world caught on. But when Razor went f…

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How to Leverage Status for Career Growth | Toby Stuart 49:05

15d ago49:05

49:05

Why do some people rise effortlessly while others go unnoticed? Toby E. Stuart, Leo Helzel Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, joins AJ and Johnny to reveal how social status—not just talent—shapes careers, opportunities, and success. Drawing from decades of research on social networks and st…

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Natalie Haynes: Greek Myths, Medea and the Comedy of Classics 1:04:23

12d ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Natalie Haynes has never been easy to categorise. A stand-up comedian turned broadcaster and best-selling author, she has built a career out of making the ancient world vivid, funny and urgent. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien talks with the presenter of Stand Up for the Classics about her unusual path from Birmingham bookshops to …

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Advice Line: Playing to Your Strengths 37:56

18d ago37:56

37:56

This week, Guy is joined by Lady Gaga’s former manager Troy Carter, Joe Gebbia of Airbnb, and Sadie Lincoln of barre3 in a special mashup episode of the Advice Line about playing to your business’s strengths. First, Honor from Australia wants to partner with a celebrity in a way that actually boosts her pill organizer brand. Then, Arvy from Johanne…

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Why High-Value People Don’t Avoid Conflict | Social Intel Brief 14:40

19d ago14:40

14:40

Do you avoid conflict—or use it to grow your influence? In this episode, AJ and Johnny share a science-backed framework for conflict resolution that transforms tense moments into opportunities for trust and leadership. Drawing on John Gottman’s research on relationships and Google’s Project Aristotle findings on high-performing teams, they reveal w…

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Don Vultaggio: AriZona Beverage Company - The Snap Decision That Outsmarted Snapple 59:35

22d ago59:35

59:35

What does it take to turn a Brooklyn beer salesman into the king of iced tea? In the early 1990s, the iced tea market was dominated by Lipton, Nestea, and Snapple. But Don Vultaggio saw an opening. A single moment—watching Snapple cases fly off a truck in winter—sparked an idea that would change his life: why not sell tea in a tallboy can? AriZona …

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The Truth About Psychological Safety | Colin M Fisher 52:51

22d ago52:51

52:51

Why do brilliant individuals so often create dysfunctional groups? AJ and Johnny sit down with organizational behavior professor Colin Fisher, author of The Collective Edge, to unpack the science of collaboration and why most teams achieve less than the sum of their parts. From the rise of individualism to the misunderstood role of psychological sa…

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From The Vault: Brian Cox 1:09:05

11d ago1:09:05

1:09:05

From a childhood in Dundee marked by loss, poverty and resilience, to becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation, Brian Cox’s life and career have been defined by an unrelenting pursuit of truth on and off stage. In this in-depth conversation with James O’Brien, the Emmy and Golden Globe winner reflects on the death of his father a…

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298: Why Your Team Is Underperforming - And How to Fix It. Colin M. Fisher 46:27

12d ago46:27

46:27

This episode reveals why most teams underperform and how to fix it fast. I sit down with Dr. Colin M. Fisher – Harvard-trained management professor, former jazz musician, and author of the brand new book The Collective Edge – to dismantle the myths most leaders believe about collaboration, trust, and leadership. Forget forced fun, trust falls, and …

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Advice Line with Tim Ferriss 46:06

26d ago46:06

46:06

Entrepreneur, author, and podcaster Tim Ferriss joins Guy on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Tim shares the inspiration behind his latest venture, Coyote— a 10-minute card game that encourages time spent with friends and family. First, Lauryn from San Francisco asks about the best way to scale her biodegra…

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The Magnetic Entrance: Why Charisma Isn’t About Being Loud 16:33

26d ago16:33

16:33

What if your charisma started before you even spoke a word? In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal how to make a magnetic entrance—one that commands attention, sparks curiosity, and creates an instant window of opportunity. Drawing on Princeton research showing impressions form in just a tenth of a second, they unpack why body language and micro-beh…

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(July 2021) Ben Chestnut: From Side Business to $12 Billion – The Accidental Triumph of Mailchimp 1:19:28

29d ago1:19:28

1:19:28

In 2001, three web designers built a quirky email tool called Mailchimp. It wasn’t their main business. It wasn’t even meant to make real money. For years, Ben Chestnut and his partners survived on web-design gigs, while Mailchimp earned just enough to cover lunch. Then…one surprising spreadsheet changed everything. In this episode, Ben reveals: Th…

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Playing It Safe Holds You Back | Elizabeth Weingarten 52:11

29d ago52:11

52:11

What if the very questions keeping you up at night were the key to moving forward? In this episode, AJ and Johnny sit down with author Elizabeth Weingarten to challenge the tired advice to “embrace uncertainty” and show how reframing it as an invitation—not a problem—unlocks growth in career, relationships, and life. Drawing from her book How to Fa…

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From The Vault: Miriam Margolyes 1:00:08

18d ago1:00:08

1:00:08

From a childhood in Oxford shaped by unconditional love, Jewish heritage and a keen sense of curiosity, to a career spanning stage, screen, voice work and bestselling memoir, Miriam Margolyes’ life has been anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation with James O’Brien, the beloved actor reflects on the security of her early years, the sting…

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Advice Line with Jamie Siminoff of Ring (August 2024) 51:54

1M ago51:54

51:54

Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three founders about balancing short- and long-term goals. Today, we meet Vico, an industrial designer in southern California who's launching a crowdfunding campaign for his patented ergonomic desk. Then Iyin, a Baltimore-based product specialist seeking to b…

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The Social Domino Effect [Social Intelligence Brief] 12:58

1M ago12:58

12:58

What if the biggest wins in your career, relationships, and social life didn’t require three separate strategies? In this episode, AJ and Johnny reveal the Social Domino Effect—how one small, high-leverage shift can cascade into success across every domain of your life. They unpack why confidence, chemistry, and connection all draw from the same me…

1
Madison Reed: Amy Errett 1:18:07

1M ago1:18:07

1:18:07

Amy Errett had a successful career in finance and venture capital before taking a leap into an entirely new business: hair color. When her wife complained about the indignities of coloring her hair at home, Amy realized the sector was ripe for a makeover. At age 56, she dove into the minutiae of dyes and developers, launching her own formula in 201…

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Why Strengths Become Weaknesses | Martin Dubin 57:44

1M ago57:44

57:44

Executive coach and former CEO Martin Dubin joins AJ and Johnny to reveal the hidden blind spots that quietly sabotage leaders and high performers. From the Dunning–Kruger effect to the “fishbowl” and “cabana” phenomena, Marty shows how strengths overused become weaknesses, and why true growth requires identity shifts, not just behavior tweaks. Pac…

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Cariad Lloyd: Talking About Grief Changed My Life 1:01:05

26d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Cariad Lloyd never set out to become the voice of modern grief, but after losing her father at just fifteen, the silence around death stayed with her. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O’Brien speaks with the actor, comedian and creator of Griefcast podcast about how turning her personal loss into public conversation has transformed both he…

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5 Levels of Listening [Social Intelligence Brief] 18:38

1M ago18:38

18:38

Ever leave a meeting thinking it went fine… but something didn’t land? In this concise training, AJ and Johnny unpack the five levels of listening and the “conversation radar” that lets you hear what others don’t say. You’ll learn how to move beyond facts and small talk into context, what’s left unsaid, and meaning—so people feel seen, trust you fa…

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Exclusive Update: The Chef Who Shocked the Culinary World and Why He’s Changing Course Again—Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park 43:08

1M ago43:08

43:08

In 2021, Daniel Humm shook up the dining world by making his 3-Michelin-star restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, 100% plant-based. No meat. No butter. No cream. It was a first in fine dining, igniting global headlines, industry backlash, and endless debate. Now, in an exclusive podcast conversation with Guy Raz, Daniel shares his next bold decision—he…

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Crumbl: Jason McGowan 1:04:34

1M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Crumbl may be a cookie business – but Jason McGowan turned it into a fast-growing restaurant chain by building it like a tech startup. He and co-founder Sawyer Hemsley meticulously A/B tested the recipe, launched a delivery app early on, and went viral with weekly drops of wild new flavors like bubblegum and Almost Everything Bagel. In just eight y…

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How Modern Life Makes Us Unhappy | Bill von Hippel 1:04:02

1M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Economist and researcher Bill von Hippel joins AJ and Johnny to unpack a surprising question: if modern life is safer, richer, and more comfortable than ever, why do studies suggest hunter-gatherers were happier than we are? Bill shares insights from a decade of studying the “social paradox” — the gap between our material progress and our emotional…

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Kevin Rowland: Beyond Come On Eileen 59:08

1M ago59:08

59:08

From a shifting childhood split between Wolverhampton, rural Ireland and London, to fronting one of the most distinctive and uncompromising bands of the 1980s, Kevin Rowland’s life has been defined by defiance, vision and resilience. In this in-depth conversation with James O’Brien, the Dexys Midnight Runners frontman reflects on the lasting impact…

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You’re Listening Wrong: Why Charisma Is About What You Feel, Not What You Say [Social Intelligence Brief] 15:29

2M ago15:29

15:29

AJ and Johnny reveal the hidden layer of charisma most people ignore—what they call “conversation radar.” It’s not about perfect lines or clever comebacks, but tuning into tone, timing, and what’s left unsaid. Drawing on client stories, dating experiments, and neuroscience, they show how this overlooked skill transforms first dates, sales calls, an…

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Advice Line with Mei Xu of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme 41:48

2M ago41:48

41:48

Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme founder Mei Xu joins Guy on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Mei shares the importance of businesses meeting people everywhere they shop. First, Sasha, who started a gourmet pot pie company in Brooklyn, New York, asks how to find the right co-founder who can do the things sh…