Shows
The People Who Make UsUPDATE: A Pause, A Paris Detour, and What Comes NextIn this solo episode, Jonny Thyne — host of The People Who Make Us — opens up about the journey behind the mic over the past seven months. From launching the podcast in the midst of wildfires, job loss, and uncertainty… to pushing through chaos, finding moments of connection, and finally stepping back to reflect, this is a candid update on what it’s taken to get here.Jonny shares the story behind his unexpected break during the Pride series, the spontaneous trip to Paris that helped him reconnect with his purpose, and what you can expect from the podcast mo...
2025-07-1009 min
The People Who Make UsPride Series: My StoryIn this deeply personal solo episode, Jonny Thyne turns the mic inward to share his coming out story—raw, unfiltered, and decades in the making. From childhood innocence to internal battles, from self-harm to self-acceptance, Jonny walks us through the moments that shaped his identity and nearly broke him.This episode is a love letter to queer people—those still in the closet, those out but still healing, and those who never had the safety to speak their truth. It’s also a heartfelt invitation to allies, especially straight and cisgender listeners, to understand just how much braver...
2025-06-1839 minThe People Who Make UsThe Books That Make Us: Man's Search for MeaningBook Club Series – with special guest @kiraleclairIn this book club episode, I’m joined by my cousin Kira to unpack Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning—a book that somehow manages to be both devastating and deeply hopeful.We explore how Frankl’s experience as a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist shaped his belief that even in the most inhumane conditions, we can still choose our response. From logotherapy and suffering to the importance of imagination, identity, and love—we dive into how his message still resonates in today’s world.We also share som...
2025-06-0555 minThe People Who Make UsForget What You Think You Know About Meditation with Jen TrukenIn this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne welcomes Jen, a long-time friend and meditation teacher from the non-profit Light Source Center. They delve into the true essence of meditation, spirituality, and self-discovery. Jen shares her journey of finding her spiritual teacher and how working with energy and light can transform one's life. They discuss practical ways to start meditating amidst chaos, the importance of self-awareness, combating fear with love, and creating your reality through energy. Both Jonny and Jen highlight the power of choice in overcoming life's challenges and...
2025-05-2856 minThe People Who Make UsIf You Want to Change Your Life, You Have to Change Your LifeIn this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne engages in a direct conversation with listeners about how to overcome feeling stuck in life. He shares personal insights and practical steps to change daily routines, evaluate media consumption, and cultivate gratitude to create a life filled with intention and presence. Jonny also stresses the importance of recognizing and managing fear, proposing actionable techniques to rewire the brain and develop a more fulfilling, love-oriented perspective. Listeners are encouraged to start with small changes and gradually build up to more significant, life-altering practices.
2025-05-2125 minThe People Who Make UsIt Takes A Village- and a Planner: Leadership, Integrity, and ResilienceIn this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne talks with Olivia Conrad—a leader in healthcare, a published author, and a new mom. They explore Olivia's journey from her roots in Scottsdale, Arizona, through her career in healthcare technology, and into motherhood. Olivia shares her insights on balancing ambition with care, the importance of resilience, and showing up as your best self. They also discuss the significance of community support, especially in professional and personal growth. Olivia introduces her newly self-published children's book, 'When Mommy Goes to Work,' and a...
2025-05-1444 minThe People Who Make UsWe All Need Each Other- Learning to Love Despite Difference: Part 2In part two of the conversation with Craig, the discussion delves deeper into the intersection of love and pain. Craig shares impactful stories about showing up for others during their times of suffering without needing to provide answers, focusing on the power of presence and empathy. The conversation touches on the importance of connecting across differences, the role of love in overcoming life's challenges, and the evolution of communication and societal values over time. The episode also explores how love can bridge political and ideological divides, advocating for an approach centered on empathy and genuine...
2025-05-0750 minThe People Who Make UsWe All Need Each Other- Learning to Love Despite Difference: Part 1In this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne engages in a heartfelt conversation with his dear friend Craig Smith, founder and CEO of Swiss America. They explore themes of love, connection, and the importance of showing up for one another in a divided world. Craig shares his personal journey, including moving across the country due to his mother's illness, his marriage to his supportive wife Melissa, and the challenges and triumphs of building his company from scratch. They discuss the impact of the Covid pandemic on human connection, the power of true...
2025-04-3029 minThe People Who Make UsThe Books That Make UsAnnouncing the People Who Make Us Book Club with Jonny Thyne and Kira Leclair. In this episode of 'The People Who Make Us,' host Jonny Thyne announces the launch of the 'People Who Make Us Book Club,' co-hosted with his cousin Kira. Each month a new book will be announced for listeners to read with a discussion on the following episode. Jonny and Kira begin by sharing their top five most impactful books, from poignant tales like 'Demon Copperhead' and 'Know My Name,' to childhood favorites such as 'Where the Red Fern...
2025-04-2449 minThe People Who Make UsFinding Happy & Building Your Own Fucking TableFinding Happy: A Journey of Love, Light, and Perseverance with Maria BertrandIn this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne sits down with his inspiring friend Maria Bertrand, a celebrated filmmaker and actress. They discuss her acclaimed documentary, 'Finding Happy,' which has won numerous awards, including those from the Glendale International Film Festival and the Love and Hope International Film Festival in Barcelona. Maria shares her personal story, detailing her journey from modeling to acting, and eventually to filmmaking. She touches on the challenges of pursuing a purpose-filled life...
2025-04-1639 minThe People Who Make UsFind Your War Paint & Always Bet On YourselfThe People Who Make Us: Find Your War Paint & Always Bet On Yourself, the debut episode of The People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne introduces the premise and values behind the show, emphasizing the importance of love, connection, vulnerability, and realness. Jonny also shares his personal journey of overcoming fears with the support of friends, family, and therapy. The episode features a conversation with Nicole and Billy Cundiff, highlighting their remarkable achievements, including Nicole's career in real estate, law, and philanthropy, and Billy's NFL career. They discuss their motivations, challenges, and their shared commitment to...
2025-04-0949 min