Despite Impossible

Despite Impossible is preparing for its fifth season, by introducing video recordings of our interviews! 

Join us for powerful conversations with people chasing bold dreams, creating impact, and proving that impossible is only the beginning. This week, Tansley seats down with Jill Nowacki to talk her impossible.

Today’s guest is Jill Nowacki, Jill is thoughtful, contemplative, and someone who thinks about the many possibilities in front of her. She is also the co-founder and President & CEO of Zealyst, an organization dedicated to catalyzing for what's possible through executive search, leadership development, and organizational performance solutions, helping leaders and teams show up at their highest level. This is Jill’s story.

Invisibility Isn't a Superpower

To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Today’s episode of Third Fork comes straight from a viewer who asked:

 'As a YP (young professional), what do you do when you’re the youngest person in the room? How do you actually build that confidence? 

Ryan shares what still makes him anxious and exactly how he overcomes it. Tansley provides insightful strategies on how to set yourself apart and actionable steps that will get you noticed. You will walk away from this episode, with concrete practices you can use TODAY.

....As we head into the final episodes of this season, we’re doing something special: you decide the topics. We’ve pulled together a batch of burning questions from viewers like you—specifically from Young Professionals and those emerging into leadership—to get Ryan and Tansley’s hot takes, proven best practices, and some of their favorite stories along the way.

If you have a question, go to our YouTube page, check-out the video episodes, and leave a comment!

When the Tools Stop Working

This recording is based on an article written by Tansley Stearns and originally published by CUInsight.com on May 28, 2026. We are grateful to CUInsight.com for authorizing this audio version.

Today's guest is Dr. Scott Edwards. Scott is a music lover, educator, hiker, and biker. He is curious, flexible, and deeply committed to bringing experience to life. As an academic and educator, he spends much of his time thinking about how we will leave the world for future generations. At Harvard University, he studies bird diversity and disease resistance using field research, museum collections, and genomics. Scott's dedication to exploring the natural world while staying grounded in community and learning inspires me, and so many others. This is Scott's story.

Welcome to this week’s episode of ThirdFork! 

This week is a video episode and you can check it out on the ThirdForkPodcast YouTube page. 

In today’s fast-paced world, you can find an answer to almost anything in seconds. But here’s the real question: How do we know if that information is accurate—or even the right fit for the job?

Join hosts Tansley and Ryan as they dive deep into the challenge of information overload. Together, they unpack:

• The rise of “AI slop” and how it clouds our judgment
• The critical art of discernment in a noisy digital landscape
• Why maintaining a bias toward action matters more than ever when data feels endless

This is a good one!

Season Finale Alert: We’re approaching the end of our season! Our final episode will be a special reflection and Q&A featuring listener questions. Got something on your mind? Whether it’s about past topics or a fresh idea for these leaders, drop your questions in the comments section on our YouTube page—we’d love to hear from you!

Today’s episode rewinds to last year’s conversation with Megan Spanitz. Now serving as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Megan is undoubtedly in full swing preparing for this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, which kicks off next week!

Rewind:

Today’s guest is Megan Spanitz. Megan is a voracious reader, intellectually curious, and someone who loves her Peloton (and Cody Rigsby). Megan is also the Chief Strategy Officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber, playing a leading role in planning and executing the annual Mackinac Policy Conference and shaping the future of the great state of Michigan. This is Megan’s story.