augustwenty podcast

In the debut episode of Ask and Disagree, Angela McManoway and DJ Daugherty sit down with host/referee Beth Shaheen to wrestle with a topic everyone’s talking about but few agree on: how AI is reshaping career paths, industries, and everyday work.

From Amazon layoffs and AI-powered drive-thrus to automated banking lines and airplane wing design, the trio dives into both sides of the conversation:

• Is AI eliminating jobs—or creating new ones?

• Will the workforce fall behind if people refuse to use it?

• Does AI make us smarter, or lazier?

• How do we stay “human” when everything is automated?

• What does expert knowledge mean in a world where AI can generate answers instantly?

DJ brings the tech lens: speed, efficiency, code analysis, and where human oversight still matters.

Angela brings the business view: customer experience, authenticity, job displacement, and what gets lost when humans disappear from the process.

Beth asks the provocative questions that push their perspectives—and expose where they agree (rarely) and disagree (often).

This fast-moving 30-minute episode sets the tone for the series: real conversations, real disagreements, and real insights about the future of work.

Season 3, Episode 10 of the August 20 Podcast welcomes longtime friend and respected tech leader Angelo Mazzocco. After decades as a CIO, entrepreneur, and connector of people, Angelo shares his journey from “full-time geek” to trusted advisor, why retirement didn’t stick, and how relationships—not technology—have always been his real passion. DJ and Mary swap personal stories about Angelo’s impact on their careers, dig into lessons learned over 40+ years in leadership, and explore why Columbus, Ohio’s growth creates once-in-a-generation opportunities. It’s a conversation about mentorship, resilience, and the power of showing up for people.

In this lively and laughter-filled episode of Caffeine with DJ, the crew dives into the surprisingly creative and resourceful ways you can move more—even with a desk job. As April marks “Move More Month,” DJ, Mary, Beth, and Gabe get personal about how they’ve built movement into their days without leaving their workspaces behind.

Gabe Sheeley takes center stage with a deep-dive into his DIY walking desk—complete with a treadmill, foam blocks, hardwood flooring, duct-taped camera setups, and a vitamin D lamp. From balancing on BOSU balls to managing plantar fasciitis and breaking exercise bands, Gabe’s story is both hilarious and inspiring.

The conversation weaves through:

• The myth of “just standing” vs. actually moving

• DIY movement hacks with household items

• How mindset shifts lead to healthier habits

• Why micro-movement matters more than marathons

• What ginger beer, fishing rods, and massive coffee mugs have to do with staying active

Whether you’re an engineer with a knack for contraptions or someone just trying to drink more water and stretch occasionally, this episode is packed with small wins and practical advice.

👉 So grab your coffee (or your ginger ale), stand up, and join us for an episode that proves sitting all day isn’t your only option.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to move more—no tools required.

In this energizing and heartfelt episode of Caffeine with DJ, DJ Daugherty, Mary Kaufmann, and Beth Shaheen tackle the theme of "Move More Month" with stories, science, and a little bit of sweat. The trio dives into the real reasons movement matters—from improving productivity and brain health to fighting off chronic disease and preserving independence. Mary opens up about her personal transformation from chronic pain to CrossFit warrior, while Beth shares how exercise grounds her both mentally and creatively. DJ offers his usual blend of humor and honesty as he admits to struggling with fitness habits, but also reflects on the motivation he finds in causes like Pelotonia and friendly competition.

Listeners will hear about:

• The surprising health and productivity benefits of movement—even in short bursts

• Practical tips for staying active in a desk-bound world (with more coming in future episodes)

• The cultural perspective that “movement is life” from Mary’s travels to New Zealand

• How peer accountability, habit stacking, and even small friction reducers can jumpstart consistent action

• The value of setting meaningful goals and becoming the kind of person who lives them out

From pull-up competitions to power-up mishaps, the conversation weaves between light-hearted moments and deeply personal reflections. Whether you're looking to reclaim your health, sharpen your mind, or just get moving again, this episode offers both inspiration and tactical advice to help you break the sedentary cycle.

Key Quote:
"If you want more out of life, you’ve got to move." — Mary Kaufmann

In Season 3, Episode 9 of the augustwenty podcast, the team dives into James Clear’s bestselling book, Atomic Habits, exploring how small, consistent changes can lead to massive personal and professional growth.

New team member Eric Juang kicks off the discussion, sharing how his brother’s annual habit of re-reading the book inspired him to adopt it as a toolkit for self-improvement. Co-hosts DJ Daugherty, Mary Kaufmann, and Beth Shaheen reflect on their own experiences with building and maintaining habits, from morning routines to productivity hacks.

The group unpacks key themes from the book, such as: •Focusing on identity over goals (e.g., “Be a runner,” not just “Run a marathon”) •The importance of systems over outcomes •The power of being just 1% better every day •Making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying •How even micro-changes—like charging headphones or prepping a pan—can reduce friction and support momentum

Real-life examples range from fitness routines and journaling practices to using tools like Obsidian for digital note-taking and visual habit trackers for accountability. Mary shares how Atomic Habits has influenced workshops with top-level executives, and DJ reflects on how misinterpretations of the “1% better” principle have impacted team dynamics.

The episode wraps with the idea that inspiration, not just discipline, is the key to sustaining meaningful change—both for individuals and organizations.

https://jamesclear.com/marginal-gains

In this episode, the team dives into how individuals and businesses can thrive under pressure, drawing parallels with March Madness and the intense moments seen in college basketball. Hosted by DJ Daugherty and Mary Kaufmann, the episode opens with some lighthearted technical difficulties and behind-the-scenes chaos—setting the tone for a very on-theme discussion.

Joining them are Beth Shaheen, Derek Nixon, Matthew Righter, and Gabe Sheeley, making it one of the largest podcast groups they’ve hosted to date. They explore high-stakes moments in business—how teams handle them, the role of team morale, decision-making under stress, and how preparation makes a difference.

Key highlights include:

• March Madness as a metaphor: Each team member shares what March Madness means to them—ranging from basketball nostalgia and bracket chaos to the madness of spring weather and personal project overload.
• 1% better every day: DJ reflects on the concept from Atomic Habits, emphasizing how small improvements compound to major differences, both in sports and business.
• Startup vs. scale-up pressure: The group compares the early startup phase of augustwenty with today’s growth, discussing how pressure has evolved from scrappy beginnings to managing 40+ people and multiple projects.
• Personal pressure responses: Everyone shares how they respond under stress—whether they’re the action takers, the step-back-and-strategize types, or the ones who find motivation because of the pressure.
• Superstars vs. solid teams: A spirited debate emerges—what's better: a few super-performers or a fully competent team? The group weighs in with sports analogies, the risk/reward balance, and the "bus factor" in tech teams.
• Culture, collaboration, and communication: They wrap by reinforcing the importance of clarity, shared goals, and uplifting every voice on the team in high-pressure situations.

Throughout, the episode blends humor, vulnerability, and insight—making it a compelling conversation for anyone navigating pressure in the workplace.

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 7 of the Augustwenty Podcast! In this lively and thought-provoking episode, DJ Daugherty, Beth Shaheen, and Mary Kaufmann kick off the month with a unique twist on “March Madness”—this time, it’s all about the chaos and unpredictability in the workplace.

Drawing parallels between NCAA basketball and business life, the team dives into how leaders can navigate high-pressure environments, unpredictable challenges, and internal team dynamics. They explore everything from mindfulness in the workplace to communication breakdowns, team accountability, and even the psychology of obsession and perfectionism.

Expect real talk, laughter, personal stories (including St. Patrick’s Day birthdays and parenting challenges), plus some deep reflection on leadership, growth, and staying calm in the storm. And yes—there’s even a shoutout to a listener from the country of Georgia!

This episode is as energizing as it is insightful—whether you’re a business leader, team player, or just someone trying to survive the madness of the modern workplace.

Listen in and learn:

• Why business madness mirrors March Madness
• The power of mindfulness and how it boosts performance
• How to handle dysfunction (yours or others’) with grace and grit
• And the age-old truth: You can’t control others—but you can control your response.

In this lively and heartfelt episode, the team—DJ, Mary, Beth, and special guest Emma—dig into what it means to show up in the world (and at work) as your authentic self. Emma, a college senior and intern at augustwenty, shares her journey of switching majors from anthropology to marketing, explaining how she discovered her true passions by embracing her natural strengths, humor, and curiosity. Along the way, the conversation turns lighthearted with anecdotes of father-daughter banter, family quirks, and comedic tales from Emma’s college years.

Beyond the laughs, the group covers important ground on the challenges of working in teams, especially when everyone’s commitment level differs. Emma highlights her volunteer work with Sparkles at Ohio University—an inclusive cheerleading squad—reflecting on how this experience taught her the importance of open-mindedness, positive energy, and genuine connection. Mary and Beth chime in with their own professional insights, emphasizing how welcoming others to speak up, valuing diverse perspectives, and leading with kindness can create healthier, more productive team environments. Throughout, DJ’s playful but proud dad banter keeps the conversation real and entertaining.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Who You Are: Authenticity and self-confidence often go hand in hand. Cultivate both to open doors and discover your true path.
2. Collaboration Over Conformity: Teams thrive when individuals bring unique strengths to the table rather than trying to blend in or “fit a mold.”
3. Lift Others Up: Invite quieter voices into the conversation, model respect for different viewpoints, and create a culture where everyone feels safe to speak.
4. Risk Embarrassment for Growth: Taking a leap—whether it’s skydiving or voicing an unpopular opinion—can lead to transformation and fulfillment.
5. Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Working with diverse groups, like the Sparkles cheerleading team, shows how empathy and gratitude can broaden horizons and deepen human connections.

Tune in for a candid, humor-filled conversation that reminds us courage isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about daring to show up as the person you really are, every single day.

In this first Caffeine episode of 2025, DJ kicks off Season 3 alongside familiar voices Eric, Daniel, and Mary. The group dives into a lively discussion about Claude Code, a command-line tool from Anthropic that integrates large language models (LLMs) directly with your local development environment. Eric and Daniel share their hands-on experiences, describing how Claude Code can open files, make edits, run tests, and iterate on solutions—all while prompting the user for permission at each step. They’re especially excited about how Claude Code’s larger context window (via Anthropic’s latest Claude model) provides deeper insight into complex codebases and aids in tasks like test-driven development.

Mary joins to highlight her broader use of LLMs for productivity, such as quickly generating presentation materials or summarizing large documents. Though she typically works outside hardcore coding, Mary’s input underscores how LLMs can save hours of repetitive effort in any domain. Throughout the conversation, the hosts examine the trust factor—acknowledging that while LLMs accelerate work, you still need a human-in-the-loop for final reviews, critical thinking, and error checking.

As the episode wraps up, they look ahead to the future of engineering roles, emphasizing that LLMs won’t replace senior developers but will shift day-to-day responsibilities toward providing context, shaping requirements, and verifying AI outputs. They also tease further explorations and promise a follow-up discussion to see how Claude Code—and the broader AI landscape—continues to evolve in the weeks ahead.

The podcast episode features hosts DJ Daugherty, Mary Kaufmann, and Beth Shaheen as they welcome special guests from Hope House Detroit, including founders Gary and Becky Gentry, along with team members Jess Brown and Riley Chowning. The episode, titled The Courage to Have Hope, explores the mission and impact of Hope House, an organization dedicated to supporting children and young people in Detroit through mentorship, education, job training, and community engagement.

Gary and Becky share the origins of Hope House, which began as a simple effort to be good neighbors in a Detroit community. Initially, their presence sparked curiosity among local children, especially when they installed a basketball hoop, which became a natural gathering space. Over time, they developed programs based on the needs of the kids, including literacy initiatives, mentorship groups, and job training.

Jess and Riley, who were drawn to Hope House through their own personal journeys, discuss how the organization has evolved, emphasizing the importance of relationships in their work. They highlight success stories, including young people who have grown up through Hope House’s programs and now return to give back. A particularly moving story is shared about a young man named Jadair, who took on the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings, found a home at Hope House, and is now attending college.

The team also discusses the broader vision of Hope House, including their work with a local school, the expansion of programming, and a new Hope House location in Montgomery, Alabama. They emphasize the importance of ongoing community support through prayer, donations, volunteering, and internships.

The conversation concludes with a powerful message that anyone with a home can create a Hope House—by simply being a good neighbor and supporting those in need. The team invites listeners to visit, get involved, and experience the power of real, crazy love firsthand.

Visit Hope House Detroit.