Shows
Four BarsThe Hidden Cost of Toxic Workplaces - Part 2What happens when the same behaviors that would prompt immediate police intervention on the street are normalized behind office doors? Dr. Jason Walker, a dual-doctorate psychologist and internationally recognized expert on workplace violence, bullying, and harassment, takes us on a compelling journey exploring this dangerous double standard."Why is it if you are touched sexually in an unwanted way, if you were on the street, the cops would show up? But you're at work and you're like, well, you know, talk to your manager...we'll go to HR...we're going to have to document. Who are we...2025-07-2431 minFour BarsThe Hidden Cost of Toxic Workplaces - Part 1Dr. Jason Walker, an internationally recognized expert with dual doctorates in psychology, pulls back the curtain on workplace bullying—a crisis affecting 75% of workers during their careers. Drawing from his own powerful personal experiences, Dr. Walker explains how workplace bullying isn't just "bad behavior" but a public health crisis costing our economy nearly a billion dollars annually.The conversation draws crucial distinctions between proper performance management and actual bullying. "Holding people accountable is not bullying," Dr. Walker emphasizes, before detailing the true hallmarks of workplace abuse: gossiping, undermining, yelling, and creating fear. He explains how bullies often ex...2025-07-1038 minFour BarsThe Dynamics of Internal vs External ProcessingThe way we process information fundamentally shapes how we communicate, collaborate, and connect with others. In this illuminating episode, we dive deep into the "Tree vs Forest" dimension of the Interface Methods connectivity tool – exploring the profound difference between internal processors (Trees) who prefer thinking before speaking, and external processors (Forests) who develop their thoughts through conversation.This distinction goes far beyond simple personality differences. As we explain, these processing preferences are behavioral, not hardwired, meaning anyone can adapt their approach once they understand the dynamics at play. Through compelling real-world examples, we reveal how these different pr...2025-06-2629 minFour BarsBuilding Thriving Communities - Part 2What makes a community truly thrive in times of rapid growth? Robert Burns, Director of Home Region Resources for the Walton Family Foundation, returns to the Four Bars Podcast to dive deep into the art of community building and regional development.Have you ever relocated and felt that initial struggle to connect? Burns reveals that the first 30 days in a new place are critical to establishing lasting roots. "Put yourself out there," he encourages, "it's amazing just how one little conversation can lead to many more." This simple truth underpins Northwest Arkansas's remarkable ability to maintain its...2025-06-1234 minFour BarsBuilding Thriving Communities - Part 1The heartbeat of thriving communities isn't just in their development plans or economic metrics, it's in the genuine connections between people who call these places home. Robert Burns, Director of Home Region Programs at the Walton Family Foundation, brings this philosophy to life as he shares his journey from a rural North Carolina farm to leading transformative community initiatives in Northwest Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta.What makes Northwest Arkansas special? According to Burns, it's a magical quality where people genuinely want to connect with and support one another. As the region grows rapidly, the Walton Family...2025-05-2933 minFour BarsWhat Peacebuilding Taught Me About Human ConnectionFrom a mud-stuck vehicle in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the halls of George Mason University, Dr. Charles Davidson's journey in peace-building offers profound insights into human connection across seemingly insurmountable divides. As both Director of Research and Practice at the Center for Applied Peace Strategies and President of Innovations in Peacebuilding, Davidson brings decades of on-the-ground experience working directly with former child soldiers and armed groups in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones.Davidson's approach to peacebuilding turns conventional wisdom on its head. Rather than operating from fortified compounds or implementing preconceived solutions...2025-05-1550 minFour BarsYou Can't Lead Without ListeningThe journey from tactical operator to strategic leader requires more than just a promotion - it demands a fundamental shift in thinking. Brandon Taylor, Senior Vice President of Transportation at JB Hunt Transport, returns to share the pivotal moments and hard-won wisdom from his leadership journey.Brandon's career path took him from selling furniture in Miami to leading transportation strategy at one of America's largest logistics companies. Along the way, a powerful wake-up call from his wife - who told him he was "cheating on her" with his job - forced him to reassess his priorities and...2025-05-0135 minFour BarsWhat Life Taught Me About LeadingBrandon Taylor, Senior Vice President of Transportation at JB Hunt Transport, takes us on a deeply personal journey through his formative years and the values that have shaped his life and leadership philosophy.Growing up as a self-described "military brat," Brandon moved constantly throughout his childhood – from Michigan to Wyoming, England, Oklahoma, Germany, and California. This nomadic upbringing forged in him an unusual combination of introversion and extroversion; he gains energy from quiet time alone yet possesses a remarkable ability to connect with strangers and form meaningful relationships quickly. At the heart of Brandon's story stands his gr...2025-04-1738 minFour BarsThe Secret to Reducing Team FrictionHave you ever experienced that moment of frustration when someone isn't approaching a task "the right way" – meaning your way? That universal feeling stands at the heart of disconnection in our relationships, and it's exactly what we tackle in this enlightening episode.Ken and Patti take us behind the scenes of their growth advisory firm Edges and reveal the origin story of their behavioral assessment tool, Interface Methods. Unlike psychological assessments that identify relatively fixed traits, Interface Methods focuses on three key behavioral differences that can be adapted: detail orientation, idea processing, and influencing style. These differences af...2025-04-0348 minFour BarsPlan, Pivot, and Create Connections - Part 2Taboos around money conversations can keep us financially stuck for decades. In this enlightening discussion with Iffy Ibekwe, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Arvest Wealth Management, we unpack why financial literacy matters and how community-based education can transform our relationship with money.Iffy shares the origin story of her popular Money Moves Book Club and the successful financial literacy conference she organized that attracted nearly 180 attendees hungry for knowledge. The conversation reveals how our "money stories" - beliefs inherited from family and community - profoundly shape our financial behaviors, often without our awareness. These unexamined...2025-03-2025 minFour BarsPlan, Pivot, and Create Connections - Part 1What does it take to uproot your family from a city you've called home for 21 years and move to a place you never imagined living? Iffy Ibekwe, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Arvest Wealth Management, shares the surprising journey that brought her from Nigeria to Dubai to Austin and finally to Northwest Arkansas.Iffy's story is a testament to holding plans loosely. Originally set on becoming a neonatologist like her father, everything changed when she watched the second tower fall on 9/11 during her sophomore year at the University of Texas. This pivotal moment redirected her...2025-03-1330 minFour BarsChange: "Wait, What?" - Part 2Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the workplace with our special guest, Vic Miles from Microsoft. Vic sheds light on how AI is automating routine tasks, paving the path for employees to engage in more meaningful work that fosters creativity and collaboration. Could this shift be the catalyst that draws employees back to the office for those invaluable face-to-face interactions? We explore this intriguing possibility, bringing historical patterns and current research to the forefront to address the initial resistance to change and highlight AI's potential to enhance employee engagement and drive organizational value.We also untangle the...2025-01-2334 minFour BarsAI Evolved Transforming Together - Part 1Ever wondered how empathy might be the missing link between cutting-edge technology and real-world business needs? Join us as we chat with Vic Miles, the General Manager for Industry Strategies in the Americas at Microsoft, who brings a wealth of experience from his 15-year journey at the tech giant, including his impactful work with Walmart. Vic offers a fresh perspective on how understanding the end user's experience, even through simple tasks like running a cash register, can lead to groundbreaking tech solutions that resonate with the human side of industries. His insights promise to deepen your understanding of how...2025-01-0935 minFour BarsHow To Successfully Navigate the Holidays - Part 2Licensed therapist Jessica Turner returns to the Four Bars podcast to share her expert insights on the complexities of family dynamics during the holidays. Discover the keys to mastering the often-challenging art of setting boundaries and maintaining communication with loved ones. We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll have a toolkit full of strategies for creating a supportive environment, whether with your biological family or your chosen one. Jessica also opens up about her transition from working with children to focusing on adult therapy, providing a unique perspective on how understanding human development can shape our...2024-12-1929 minFour BarsHow To Successfully Navigate the Holidays - Part 1Licensed therapist Jessica Turner joins us to illuminate the often-neglected necessity of self-care during the frenetic holiday season. With her expertise in trauma therapy, Jessica provides actionable insights on how prioritizing our well-being can strengthen personal health and relationships. Prepare to rethink your holiday approach as you learn the crucial importance of securing your own metaphorical oxygen mask before trying to help others. Discover ways to carve out precious moments for yourself even amidst a whirlwind of obligations and understand why self-care is foundational, not just a luxury.This episode challenges the societal norms and commercial pressures...2024-12-0534 minFour BarsPlay It Forward - Part 2Imagine raising nearly $100,000 for charity just by singing your favorite carols with a beer in hand. Casey and Ken Weatherford, the heart and soul behind Beer and Hymns, have turned this vision into reality, and they're here to share their incredible journey with us. From the success of their Beer and Carols event to their thoughtful charity selection process, Casey and Ken reveal how their passion for music and community impact has brought people together and fostered meaningful change. Their collaboration with sponsors and volunteers plays a crucial role in this mission, ensuring that every event leaves a lasting...2024-11-2128 minFour BarsPlay It Forward - Part 1How do beer and hymns come together to build a community? In this episode of the Four Bars podcast, we uncover the creative journey of Ken and Casey Weatherford, the innovative minds behind Beer and Hymns. Their story takes us from the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, where the global tradition of singing hymns in social settings first inspired them, back to their church's Sunday school class, and eventually to a large, thriving community event. With the help of Chad Markley, they navigated early skepticism and crafted a unique space where music and fellowship create powerful connections among diverse individuals.2024-11-0729 minFour BarsFinding Four BarsWhat if the effort you put into finding the perfect internet signal could transform your personal and professional relationships? Join us, Ken and Patti Leith, as we recount our Rocky Mountain escapade to uncover a strong connection—not just digitally, but among our community. Welcome to the Four Bars podcast, where we explore how prioritizing genuine bonds can enhance our lives and inspire you to engage more meaningfully with those around you. This episode is packed with stories and strategies aimed at strengthening your personal connections, with a sprinkle of laughter courtesy of our ongoing battle with a mischievous sq...2024-10-1722 minFour BarsThe Art of Building CommunityStep inside the heart of Bentonville with us as we chat with Emily Medlock and Kelsey McIntyre from Blake Street House. Discover how this vibrant social club creates a thriving community hub through its unique blend of amenities, from gourmet dining options to fitness classes and lively social events. Kelsey shares her passion for connecting members with shared interests, revealing how a simple introduction can lead to lasting friendships. Emily and Kelsey also dive into their personal journeys to Bentonville, shedding light on what makes Blake Street a welcoming haven for both newcomers and locals alike.As...2024-10-1730 minFour BarsGreat Neighborhoods; Strong Communities - Part 1Join us for a captivating conversation with Mayor Stephanie Orman of Bentonville, Arkansas, as she reveals the transformative power of strong community connections. From her beginnings in advertising and marketing to her role as a dedicated public servant, Mayor Orman's journey is a testament to the impact of citizen involvement and open communication. Discover how initiatives like the 3-1-1 system and public budget reviews have enhanced transparency and engagement, bridging the gap between residents and city services.Effective communication and collaboration are at the heart of community management, especially during challenging times. We share stories from...2024-10-1727 minFour BarsGreat Neighborhoods; Strong Communities - Part 2Mayor Stephanie Orman of Bentonville, Arkansas, joins us to reveal her blueprint for building stronger community bonds. Learn how her academic background in communication and mediation has been pivotal in fostering connections through initiatives like the Great Neighborhoods Program. As we navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic, discover how Mayor Orman and her resilient city team adapted through creative virtual events and continued outreach, ensuring Bentonville stayed connected in the face of adversity.Bentonville is on the cusp of transformation, and you're about to see why. From a staggering $700 million healthcare investment to the bustling...2024-10-1738 min