Backstage w/ Matt Stone

On Johnny Appleseed Day, I trade apple lore for something heavier: the erosion of rule of law, the disorienting state of leadership, and why promoting values that aren’t currently valued can feel unbearable. No silver linings here—just radical honesty, a restless night, and a reminder to connect with people who still believe in building trust.

We’ve all been there—trying to duct-tape a deal, a project, or a relationship into working when the timing’s all wrong. Spoiler: it’s exhausting. Today’s lesson? Stop rowing like mad and let the wind do some of the work. Sometimes the smartest move is to park it, laugh, and wait for the right breeze.

Last night’s adventure: beef noodles, long lines, and landing a side-seat at The Daily Show with Jordan Klepper. Sure, the warm-up comic talked longer than the taping itself—but the laughs, the strangers-turned-friends, and the reminder to grab opportunities now made it worth every minute.

Today’s journey goes from a random stop in Madagascar to Carnival Cruise’s baffling “sunscreen ice cream” before landing on something that actually matters: why leadership in business has to mean more than vague platitudes and buzzwords. If we don’t define it clearly, and demand leaders who unite rather than divide, we’re just scooping air, or worse.

On the first day of fall, I dig into why saying “no” never felt right to me—and how reframing it as saying “yes” to my own priorities makes all the difference. This episode is about clarity, focus, and staying on your path without burning bridges along the way.

Running on coffee and questionable sleep, I tumble from jet lag into daydreams of New Zealand, bucket lists, and why joy might just be the most underrated business strategy ever. Spoiler: it’s hard to innovate when you’re joyless (and no, more spreadsheets don’t help).

*For info on Shannon Hernandez, check out her website here:

https://joyfulbusinessrevolution.com

Back at the mic with proper audio (thank you, Shure SM7B), I dive into the quirks of sound quality, jet lag, and why fall feels so energizing after Tokyo’s humidity. A conversation with my friend Nathan sparks today’s reflection: the strange history of “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” and why it started as an impossible task. We explore what that phrase really means, why “just try harder” often leads nowhere, and how choosing learning over struggle is the better path forward.

Jet-lagged in Tokyo, sweaty from the humidity, and wondering why my body still hasn’t caught up—today’s quick reflection is about how fast we adapt (or don’t), why old friends make life feel lighter, and the dangerous trap of letting other people’s advice drown out your own gut. Somewhere between balmy evenings and business planning, I’m realizing the answers usually aren’t “out there”—they’re already inside us.

Today’s reflection on travel, culture, and the role businesses play in shaping the “garden” we all live in — plus a reminder to bring more joy and intentional fun into every day.

Discussing how the way we played as children can light a more joyful path forward as we progress in life and in business.