Shows
Matters.com PresentsWhy Geopolitical Awareness Matters to David Murrin, Global ForecasterOlivia interviews David Murrin, a geopolitical and financial forecaster. Murrin discusses the cyclical nature of empires, asserting that the western world, particularly the United States, is in decline while China rises in power—leading towards inevitable conflict. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these cycles, addressing political and economic dissonance, and urgently waking up to imminent threats. In the Matters/Not Matters speed round, they discuss topics like military strategy, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and the role of social media. Murrin concludes by urging listeners to educate themselves and actively engage in discussions that shape the future of dem...
2025-12-0321 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Humanity’s AI Future Matters, with Elvin Aghammadzada, AI Architect at NVIDIAEmily interviews Elvin Aghammadzada, an AI Architect at NVIDIA. Elvin discusses his work on large language models, AI systems, and mentoring engineers. He emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's future impact on workplaces and society, reflecting on his journey from a passion for mathematics to a career in AI.He also shares his views on AI in education, the significance of supercomputers, and the potential for young innovators to transform industries with fresh perspectives.01:39 Understanding AI and Its Implications04:28 A Day in the Life at NVIDIA06:42 Opportunities in AI
2025-11-1916 min
Matters.com PresentsPurpose and Storytelling, with Samantha Holland - Cancer Survivor, Resilience Coach, and Former Disney VIP Tour GuideIn this episode of Matters.com Presents, Olivia interviews Samantha Holland — a cancer survivor, resilience coach, and former Disney VIP tour guide — to talk about transforming pain into purpose.At just 34, Samantha was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive and rare forms of breast cancer. What saved her life was early detection, a trust in her intuition, and a medical team that truly listened.Samantha opens up about:Navigating identity shifts during and after treatmentThe emotional aftermath of remission and “the silence” that followsWhy she rejects the idea that “everything happens fo...
2025-11-0314 min
Matters.com PresentsScience, Creativity and Authenticity with Anne-Catherine Bédard, Research Scientist at Dow Founder at Labcoat & LeggingsIn this episode of Matters.com Presents, we interview Anne Catherine Bédard — chemist, artist, and founder of Lab Coat and Leggings — to talk about blending science, creativity, and authenticity.Anne Catherine shares how a simple adult coloring book during recovery sparked a life-changing journey of self-discovery. From feeling “too nerdy for sports” and “too sporty for science,” she found empowerment in embracing all sides of herself — scientist, athlete, mother, artist, and entrepreneur.They explore the importance of representation for women in STEM, the role of creativity in science, and how letting go of perfectionism can lead to heal...
2025-10-2112 min
Matters.com PresentsE-Commerce, AI and VR with Mark Foreman, Co-CEO of Buzz 3DOlivia interviews Mark Foreman, Co-CEO of Buzz 3D, a company pioneering interactive virtual shelves that merge AI shopper research and behavioral data to transform the way retailers understand consumer decisions.Mark shares his journey that led him to challenge what he considers one of the most overlooked aspects of e-commerce: the scrolling product grid. He explains why the digital shelf needs to mirror the in-store experience to drive engagement, satisfaction, and sales.Together, they discuss:🛒 How in-store shelf design influences shopper behavior.🤖 Why AI is a game changer for understanding consumer intent.🧠 The emotional and pract...
2025-10-1618 min
Matters.com PresentsPurpose-Driven Branding, with Melissa Fors Shackleford, Healthcare Marketing Strategist & AuthorIn this episode of the Matters.com podcast, Olivia interviews Melissa Fors Shackleford — a healthcare marketing strategist, author of Harnessing Purpose, and advisor helping leaders align their mission with their message.Melissa shares her perspective on finding personal fulfillment in marketing, emphasizing that authentic connection — not manipulation — is what drives meaningful brand relationships. She discusses why purpose-driven brands outperform their competitors, the importance of authentic leadership, and how values-based communication shapes trust in today’s transparent, social-first world.The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare marketing, the transformative potential of AI, and how lead...
2025-10-1517 min
Matters.com PresentsSelf-Discovery and Balance with Kat Anselmo, Yoga Teacher and Health CoachOlivia interviews Kat Anselmo — a yoga teacher and health coach who helps people reconnect with their authentic selves through mindfulness, movement, and self-discovery.Kat shares her powerful personal story of transformation — from supporting a partner’s health crisis to navigating heartbreak, and ultimately creating a one-year “contract with herself” to find her purpose. Through yoga, meditation, and holistic health practices, Kat discovered the importance of taking action, creating balance, and choosing the life you want to live.✨ Topics we cover:Why a contract with yourself can be life-changingHow yoga and med...
2025-10-0911 min
Matters.com PresentsMusic, Media & Meaning: Matters with Jennifer Finch — Musician, Writer, StorytellerOlivia chats with Jennifer Finch — musician, writer, and cultural storyteller best known as the bassist for L7. Jennifer brings her signature raw honesty and humor as she talks about why digital media literacy should be part of education, how counterculture fuels creativity, and why pizza might matter just as much as music.From recovery to writing, coffee to community, Jennifer shares what truly matters to her — and reminds us that storytelling and connection are at the heart of it all.👉 Explore more of Jennifer’s projects at jenniferfinch.com #JenniferFinch #L7 #MattersPodcast #MusicAndRecovery #DigitalMed...
2025-10-0609 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Legal Protection Matters for Every Business — John Fuhrman, Bestselling Author, Navy Veteran, and Award-Winning EntrepreneurIn this episode of Matters.com Presents, Olivia chats with John Fuhrman — Senior Manager with LegalShield Business Solutions, bestselling author of 11 books, Navy Veteran, and award-winning entrepreneur.John shares why independence—both financial and personal—matters most at this stage of his life, and how affordable legal support can transform the way individuals and small businesses handle everyday challenges. From avoiding costly crises to protecting employees with legal benefits, John explains how LegalShield makes legal access simple, affordable, and stress-free.We also dive into his entrepreneurial journey, the surprising history of barbecue and br...
2025-10-0411 min
Matters.com PresentsMidlife Crisis, Comedy and Rediscovering Dreams: The Story of Chicken Nugget Girl with Kate Torode + Speed RoundIn this episode, Kate Torode shares the story behind Chicken Nugget Girl — a hilarious, heartfelt “memoir in disguise” that turns everyday chaos into comedy. Drawing on her own life, Kate talks about midlife crises, rediscovering dreams, and the power of humor to process life’s messiest moments.She opens up about how personal experiences shaped her character Mallory, why laughter is essential to survival, and the challenges of being both an artist and a self-promoter in today’s social media-driven world.What You’ll LearnThe origin of Chicken Nugget Girl and how Kate transforms d...
2025-09-3008 min
Matters.com PresentsStoicism, Law, and Living a Balanced Life — Speed Round with Matthew Campobasso, Chief Legal Officer & Adjunct ProfessorMatthew Campobasso opens up about what truly matters to him at this stage in life and career. With 20+ years of experience in law, he explains how Stoic philosophy helped him shift his perspective — from chasing money and titles to focusing on balance, authenticity, and relationships.He shares what it’s like teaching future lawyers, why he believes success is more about how you show up than how much you bill, and how being a dad shapes his outlook. We also dive into his personal “aha” moments with Stoicism and wrap things up with a fun Matters speed round.
2025-09-2918 min
Matters.com PresentsAllen Spence, U.S. Congressional Candidate: Safeguarding Freedoms and the Economy + Speed RoundIn this episode of the Matters.com Presents Podcast, Olivia sits speaks with Allen Spence, a U.S. Congressional candidate and seasoned FinTech professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial markets.Allen shares what matters most to him right now—defending the health of the republic, protecting freedoms, and strengthening the economy. From his perspective on tariffs and constitutional checks and balances, to the future of AI, cryptocurrency, financial regulation, and education, Allen explains how these issues connect to America’s prosperity and liberty.He also dives into:Why he believes bad...
2025-09-2312 min
Matters.com PresentsCopycat Recipes: Heather Johnson on Food, Travel & Speed RoundIn this episode of Matters.com, Emily sits down with Heather Johnson, the Queen of Copycat Recipes, food and travel blogger, and winner of Guy’s Grocery Games. With over 6 million page views in 2024, Heather shares what truly matters to her — from simple joys like naps, her dogs and cats, to the inspiration she finds at the beach.Heather dives into:How food and travel shape her life and careerHer most popular copycat recipe (yes, the legendary Casey’s Breakfast Pizza 🍕)Why the air fryer is a game-changer for cooking for oneThe rejuvenating power of the beach and...
2025-09-2209 min
Matters.com PresentsHudson Turman on Debate, Rhetoric & Civic EngagementIn this episode of Matters.com, Emily sits down with Hudson Turman, an 18-year-old nationally ranked debater (3rd in the U.S. for Big Questions Debate) to talk about the power of communication, civic engagement, and the role of debate in shaping future leaders.Hudson shares:Why speech and debate matters more than ever in a digital-first world.How blending technology and in-person communication makes debate even stronger.The family story that inspired his journey into competitive debate.What it’s really like to compete at national tournaments.
2025-09-1607 min
Matters.com PresentsAdopting a Rescue Dog Changed My Life, with Svati PatelSvati Patel shares her powerful journey of adopting Rani, a rescue dog from Puerto Rico. We talk about the stereotypes around rescue dogs, why they end up in shelters, and how adoption truly saves two lives.Svati also shares her fostering experiences, and why rescue dogs aren’t broken—they’re just waiting for love and a second chance.👉 Key takeaway: When you adopt, you don’t just rescue a dog—you change your own life too.🔗 Connect with Svati on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svati-patel-366a7a5🐾 Learn more at...
2025-09-1211 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Narcissism Matters to Laura Richards, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery ExpertMike Zeinfeld interviews Laura Richards, a bestselling author and speaker who helps women heal and rebuild after experiencing narcissistic abuse. Laura shares her personal journey of living with a covert narcissist for 33 years, how she discovered the concept of narcissistic abuse, and the importance of spreading awareness. She discusses the traits of narcissists, their manipulative tactics such as gaslighting, and the devastating impact on victims' self-esteem. . The conversation also touches on various related topics, including mental health, social media's influence, and the importance of support systems.00:19 Understanding Narcissistic Abuse02:11 Personal Journey and Realizations04:59...
2025-08-1915 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Arts Education Matters to Avelyn Simons, Award-Winning Teacher, Director, and Performer + Speed RoundWelcome back! We interviewed Avelyn Simons, an award-winning high school drama teacher, director, and performer. She discusses the significant impact of arts education on students. With 18 state nominations under her belt, Avelyn shares her journey from performer to educator, the challenges she faced, and the rewards of seeing her students grow. She elaborates on the transformative power of public speaking classes, the importance of taking risks in directing complex shows, and the broader life skills students gain from theater. 00:16 Avelyn's Journey to Teaching01:40 Impact of Arts Education03:20 Challenges and Successes in Dir...
2025-08-1214 min
Matters.com PresentsLeta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life) Podcast Profile — How It Started and the Topics That MatterWe’re switching things up and doing a podcast profile — and this one’s a standout. Mike interviews Amanda Trisdale about Leta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life) — a podcast she hosts with her 13-year-old daughter, Leta.The show explores the powerful intersection of dance and neurodiversity, with real stories, advocacy, and rhythm to spare. Amanda shares how a random social media hack sparked the idea for the podcast, Leta’s success in the tap world, and how they launched a nonprofit dance studio designed for autistic dancers. And of course, we close with t...
2025-08-0810 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Cybersecurity Matters to Grant McCracken, Founder of DarkHorse, Technical Leader & AuthorIn this episode, we speak with Grant McCracken, founder of DarkHorse Security, about his mission to make cybersecurity accessible and affordable for organizations of all sizes. Grant discusses the importance of proactive security, especially for smaller organizations, and his efforts to eliminate barriers to effective cybersecurity. Additionally, the episode features a rapid-fire speed round covering topics such as skiing, artificial intelligence, pizza, exercise, video games, mental health, entrepreneurship, effective altruism, duck fashion shows, toe wrestling, and antibiotic resistance.00:24 The Importance of Cybersecurity00:52 Making Cybersecurity Accessible02:16 Grant's Personal Journey03:44 Speed Round: Matters or Not06:22...
2025-07-3112 min
Matters.com PresentsPrioritizing Sleep and Parenthood + Speed Round with Maria Moreno, Certified Pediatric Sleep ConsultantIn this episode, Maria Moreno, a certified pediatric sleep and motherhood coach, shares her insights on the importance of sleep for parents and children. Maria discusses her personal struggles with sleep deprivation and its impacts on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. She emphasizes the societal pressures that equate exhaustion with productivity and success, and she offers practical advice for parents to prioritize rest amidst their busy lives. 00:18 The Importance of Sleep01:01 Societal Pressures and Sleep Deprivation03:35 Sleep Tips for Parents06:00 Speed Round: What Matters?09:20 Conclusion a...
2025-07-2209 min
Matters.com PresentsTransformative Leadership with Shoshana Rosenfeld, Executive Coach + Speed RoundIn this episode, Mike Zeinfeld interviews Shoshana Rosenfeld, an executive coach who specializes in helping leadership teams enhance emotional intelligence, trust, and performance. Shoshana emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in effective leadership. She shares her own transformative experience leading a rope team on Mount Rainier and discusses how focusing on control over connection impacted her team negatively. 00:15 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership01:48 A Personal Story of Leadership and Growth04:26 Key Takeaways on Leadership05:29 Speed Round: Matters or Not MattersFollow Shoshana or reach out here:https://sh...
2025-07-1409 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Performance Matters to Paul Fernandez, Founder of the Growth Guys + Speed RoundWhy does performance matter to Paul Fernandez? We interviewed Paul Fernandez about how he helps ambitious founders scale through performance marketing, persuasive content, and strategic clarity. Paul breaks down performance into confidence, adaptability, and persuasion, emphasizing the importance of bringing the right energy to each interaction. We also cover Paul's perspective on branding, the transcendence of music, the uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence, and the unification brought by sports. In our Speed Round: Matters, Not Matters, Paul shares his views on coffee, branding, competitive duck herding, and data colonialism.https://www.thegrowthguys.co.uk/ht...
2025-07-0809 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Self-Care and Motherhood Matter to Mary Dibble + Speed RoundEmpowering Moms: Self-Care, Confidence, and Pursuing Dreams with Mary DibbleWhy should self-care matter to overwhelmed moms? We interviewed Mary Dibble, a heart-centered coach, about how moms can embrace self-love, self-acceptance, and pursue their dreams while raising their children. Mary shares her personal journey of transformation and the importance of modeling self-care for children. She discusses how external factors can reflect internal struggles and offers steps moms can take to rebuild their confidence and thrive. The episode also features a fun speed round called 'Speed Round: Matters, Not Matters' where Mary shares her thoughts on various topics...
2025-06-2510 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Thought Literacy Matters to Lyndsey Getty, Speaker and Author + Speed RoundWe interviewed Lyndsey Getty, speaker, author, and founder of the Thoughtful Method Company, about her dedication to 'thought literacy'. Lyndsey discusses the significance of understanding and managing thoughts, its impact on emotional intelligence, and how it transformed her life. She highlights the need to make psychological concepts accessible to improve self-awareness and mental health. Additionally, Lyndsey shares insights on her books and the practical applications of thought literacy in both personal and professional contexts. 00:12 The Importance of Thought Literacy01:10 Personal Journey with Therapy02:38 Impact of Thought Awareness03:46 Professional Applications of Thought Literacy05:10 Books a...
2025-06-2411 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Empowering Kids Matters to Scott Feld, Children's Author and CoachWhy does empowering kids matter to Scott Feld? We interviewed Scott about how his work as a children's author and coach led him to focus on building confidence and resilience in kids through storytelling and play-based learning. Scott discusses his new book, 'Dax to the Max,' and he shares stories of how these tools have helped children discover their inner strengths. We also delve into his personal inspiration—his own son, Dax—and take a fun turn with a Speed Round: Matters, Not Matters segment, touching on topics from children's literature to artificial intelligence.00:13 Empowering Kids...
2025-06-2306 min
Matters.com PresentsWhy Fulfillment Matters to DJ Dickerson-Alejandrino, Mindset and Performance SpeakerWhy does fulfillment matter to DJ Dickerson Alejandrino? We interviewed DJ about his journey from flunking out of college to becoming an advocate for a Pleasure Led Life. He discusses transitioning from achievement-focused living to fulfillment-driven existence, realizing the importance of living authentically rather than conforming to societal expectations. DJ shares insights on balancing work, goal-setting, parenting, and personal values. He also touches on how he teaches these values to his children and the significance of self-awareness in making decisions that align with one's true self. The episode concludes with a Speed Round: Matters, Not Matters segment, where DJ...
2025-06-1910 min