Fault Lines

By Richard Roman

Fault Lines explores why trust breaks and how to rebuild it in organizations, leadership, communities, and public institutions. Hosted by

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FAQs about Fault Lines:

How many episodes does Fault Lines have?

The podcast currently has 37 episodes available.

Fault Lines episodes:

August 28, 2025Season 2 Premiere: Trusting What You Can’t Prove | Alex Amorosi, The Subtle Universe
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Alex Amorosi shares his transformative journey from yoga teacher to intuitive healer, exploring the intersection of healing, astrology, energy work, and emotional awareness. That authenticity has now grown into The Subtle Universe. Alex reflects on his experiences with sensitivity, self-trust, and personal transformation, offering insights into how spiritual practices can support growth and well-being.
The conversation highlights the importance of establishing trust with clients, the significance of energetic protection in clearing emotional baggage, and Alex’s transition from skepticism to embracing astrology as a powerful tool for self-discovery and navigating life's transitions. Through his story, Alex illustrates how intuitive coaching can guide individuals through change, providing deeper access to healing and inner wisdom.
Takeaways
Alex’s journey includes 20 years as a yoga teacher before becoming an intuitive healer.
Identifying as a highly sensitive person shaped his life and work.
Sensitivity can create challenges like anxiety and people-pleasing tendencies.
Astrology helps map out life cycles and transitions as a tool for self-discovery.
Building trust with clients is essential for meaningful and lasting healing.
Energetic protection techniques can help release emotional and spiritual burdens.
Skepticism about astrology can shift through personal growth and experience.
The astrology chart serves as a roadmap for transformation and awareness.
Self-trust is key to personal healing and spiritual development.
Intuitive coaching opens pathways to guidance and deeper self-understanding.
Trust For Thought
"I think we all do."
"Astrology is really just about cycles."
"Trust that I'm worth healing."
Keywords
healing, intuition, astrology, energy work, emotional awareness, personal transformation, trust, self-trust, sensitivity, spiritual coaching, metaphysics, life transitions, intuitive healing, yoga and spirituality, self-discovery
Stay Connected
If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:
📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack.
▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel.
📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod.
🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs.
And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!
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41min
July 09, 2025 What We Talk About When We Talk About Trust
What is trust, really? Why does it feel like it’s slipping through our fingers? And can we rebuild it before it’s too late?
In this powerful solo episode of Trust Be Told, host Richard Roman breaks down the meaning, history, and urgency of trust across three key dimensions: psychological, interpersonal, and institutional. Drawing on cutting-edge research, historical context, and current events (from AI deepfakes and campus protests to climate disasters and election mistrust), this episode explores why trust is not just a personal virtue but a public necessity.
Richard explores why trust is a form of accepted vulnerability, how trust in American institutions has fluctuated over the past 80 years, and why 2025 represents a critical turning point in the erosion (or restoration) of public trust.
Whether you're a policymaker, educator, organizational leader, or simply someone trying to make sense of this fractured moment, this episode offers a roadmap for restoring what’s been broken.
Join us on Substack.
Follow Richard on LinkedIn.
Keywords: trust, democracy, institutional trust, public trust, government, AI and trust, misinformation crisis, civic engagement, higher education

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43min
June 26, 2025 Politics, Work Teams, and Seven Minutes of Empathy
What does trust really do?
Host Richard Roman unpacks three groundbreaking studies that explore how trust operates across political systems, workplace dynamics, and everyday human connections.
From the rise of political extremism to the success (or failure) of high-performing teams, and to the surprising power of a seven-minute conversation with a stranger, this episode explores how trust shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. You’ll learn why trust isn’t just a “soft skill,” but a strategic, measurable force that influences everything from democratic participation to collaboration and empathy.
Subscribe to Richard’s newsletter: https://rjoroman.substack.com
Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjoroman
Referenced Studies:
Dirks, K. T. (1999). The effects of interpersonal trust on work group performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 84(3), 445–455.
Ghazi, S. H. (2025, March 24). Can we reduce political antagonism by promoting trust? Greater Good Magazine.
Broockman, D. E., & Kalla, J. L. (2016). Durably reducing transphobia: A field experiment on door-to-door canvassing. Science, 352(6282), 220–224.
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15min
June 24, 2025 Is There A Hidden Psychology to Political Trust?
Why doesn’t trust in government rise when things improve? What if we've been measuring the wrong thing all along?
In this solo episode of Trust Be Told, host Richard Roman unpacks a groundbreaking study from 2019 that reframes political trust, not as approval or confidence, but as a willingness to accept vulnerability.
If you're a researcher, public leader, or trust-focused changemaker, this episode provides a practical framework for understanding (and measuring) trust more precisely.
Read more and subscribe on Substack: https://rjoroman.substack.com.

Referenced Study:
Hamm, J. A., Smidt, C., & Mayer, R. C. (2019). Understanding the psychological nature and mechanisms of political trust. PLOS ONE, 14(5), e0215835. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215835
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14min
June 19, 2025Season 1 Finale: A Reflection on Trust, Identity & What’s Next (Solo Episode)
In this episode of Trust Be Told, host Richard Roman shares his personal journey and motivations behind launching the podcast, diving into the importance of trust in institutions, leadership, and community life. Richard reflects on key lessons from past guests, exploring how trust is built, broken, and repaired across organizations and society.
He emphasizes the role of authentic leadership, self-trust, and community engagement in rebuilding public confidence, while addressing the challenges leaders face in earning credibility. Richard also shares the future direction of the podcast, including more solo episodes and personal stories that highlight the everyday dynamics of trust.
Takeaways
Trust shapes institutions, communities, and personal relationships.
Building trust requires intention, consistency, and accountability.
Trust often breaks down in the gap between words and actions.
Trust is a dynamic concept; it requires daily practice and ongoing reinforcement.
Leaders cannot build trust with others without first cultivating self-trust.
Trust is both deeply personal and inherently political.
Authentic leadership is grounded in integrity and self-awareness.
Community engagement is essential for rebuilding trust in institutions.
Trust is not automatic; instead, it is a negotiated space that must be earned.
The podcast is designed to serve as a platform for honest and critical conversations about trust.
Trust for Thought
"Trust is a muscle that you have to build."
"Trust isn't static; it's always evolving."
"Trust is personal; it's political."
Keywords
trust, leadership, institutional trust, community engagement, podcast on trust, authenticity, self-trust, social commentary, higher education, personal journey, building trust, organizational leadership
Stay Connected
If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:
📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack.
▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel.
📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod.
🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs.
And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!
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29min
May 22, 2025Standing on Business: Navigating Executive Presence and Imposter Syndrome | Jo Newell, CEO of Monday Strategies
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Richard Roman speaks with Jo Newell, a leader and entrepreneur, about the multifaceted role of trust in leadership. Jo shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of building trust through consistent actions, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.
The conversation examines the challenges of imposter syndrome, particularly for women and underrepresented leaders, and underscores the importance of representation in leadership. Jo also discusses common misconceptions about trust, the importance of executive presence and public speaking in establishing credibility, and the need for ongoing commitment to building trust within organizations and communities. For more about Jo's work, visit Monday Strategies and Drop The Mic.
Takeaways
Trust is alignment between what you say and how you make others feel.
Building trust requires daily consistency, accountability, and performance.
Imposter syndrome impacts many professionals, especially women in leadership roles.
Trust must be intentionally maintained and should never be taken for granted.
Effective communication is key to building and sustaining trust.
Representation in leadership matters, but it must be backed by meaningful action.
Self-trust is essential for overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence.\
Navigating challenges requires clarity, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
Trust can be broken in any interaction, requiring continuous effort to repair.
Confidence in leadership is built over time through credibility and connection.
Trust For Thought
"If you look good, you feel good."
"Imposter syndrome is real."
"You have to commit to trust every day."
Keywords
trust in leadership, communication skills, imposter syndrome, executive presence, underrepresented leaders, emotional intelligence, self-trust, credibility, public speaking, women in leadership, authenticity, confidence, representation in leadership, building trust
Stay Connected
If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:
📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack.
▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel.
📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod.
🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs.
And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!
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55min
May 15, 2025Inbox to Impact: Business News for a New Generation | Kyle Hagge, Morning Brew, Inc.
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Richard Roman sits down with Kyle Hagge, Chief of Staff at Morning Brew Inc., who shares insights into the company’s innovative approach to business news and digital media. He emphasizes the importance of community building, trust, and transparency in today’s fast-changing media landscape.
Kyle discusses the challenges and opportunities of AI in journalism and content creation, the critical role of local media in strengthening civic engagement, and the significance of building authentic connections with audiences. He also offers advice on career growth, overcoming imposter syndrome, and developing practical leadership skills. The conversation highlights why adaptability and transparency are essential for success in both personal and professional development.
Takeaways
Morning Brew’s unique format and tone engage younger, digital-first audiences.
Building trust in media requires consistency, authenticity, and transparency.
Community building fosters loyalty and long-term audience engagement.
AI in content creation enhances efficiency but must be applied responsibly.
Effective leadership means being transparent, communicative, and people-focused.
Understanding how your role impacts organizational success is crucial for career growth.
Imposter syndrome is common, but confidence and resilience drive progress.
Local news media play a vital role in strengthening civic trust and fostering community engagement.
Gaining diverse career experiences early builds long-term professional success.
Business education should focus on practical, real-world applications.
Trust For Thought
"We made news not boring, really fun to read."
"Do what you say you're going to do."
"Local media can drive civic engagement effectively."
Keywords
Morning Brew, digital media, business news, community building, trust in media, AI in journalism, career growth, local news, civic engagement, business education, transparency in media, imposter syndrome, content creation, leadership in digital media
Stay Connected
If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:
📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack.
▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel.
📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod.
🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs.
And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!
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57min
May 08, 2025From Ghosting to Growth: Rethinking Talent Acquisition and Culture | Michelle Magnetti, Founder of Magneaux
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Michelle Magnetti, HR strategist and co-host of The WellNest Podcast, draws on her extensive background in talent acquisition and recruitment strategy to discuss how hiring practices are evolving in today’s workplace. She examines the impact of remote work, organizational trust, and positive leadership on recruitment and employee engagement.
As the founder of Magneaux, Michelle highlights the balance organizations must strike between efficiency and human connection in hiring, the growing importance of personal branding for job seekers, and the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture. The conversation also addresses pressing challenges, such as recruiter overwhelm, job application ghosting, and the impact of AI in hiring, offering actionable insights for leaders, recruiters, and candidates navigating the modern workplace.
Takeaways
Trust in organizations is more challenging to build, but it is more important than ever.
Talent acquisition has shifted from transactional hiring to strategic recruitment.
Candidates now have more leverage and control over job opportunities.
The human element in hiring remains essential, even with AI-driven processes.
Positive leadership fosters engagement and a healthy work culture.
Building trust between recruiters and hiring managers is critical to success.
Low turnover and strong employee engagement signal a culture of trust.
Transparent communication helps restore confidence in the hiring process.
Ghosting candidates is a growing issue that undermines organizational trust and integrity.
Personal branding is a powerful differentiator for job seekers in a competitive market.
Trust for Thought
"Trust in organizations is really hard."
"You have to create your own brand."
"You are valuable, you are worthy."
Keywords
trust in organizations, leadership, talent acquisition, hiring process, remote work, positive leadership, organizational culture, job seeking, recruiter challenges, personal branding, ghosting in hiring, employee engagement, AI in recruitment, workplace trust
Stay Connected
If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:
📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack.
▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel.
📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod.
🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs.
And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!
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55min
May 01, 2025The Role of Accreditation in Building Trust | Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Accreditation Insights
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Richard Roman sits down with Dr. Laurie Shanderson, CEO of Accreditation Insights, a leading voice in higher education accreditation, to unpack the critical role of trust, transparency, and accountability in shaping institutional quality. They explore the implications of recent executive orders on accreditation, common misconceptions about accreditation, and its dual role as both a tool for quality assurance and consumer protection.
Dr. Shanderson also discusses the challenges colleges and universities face in meeting accreditation standards, the importance of constructive collaboration between institutions and accreditors, and the need for innovation in accreditation practices. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of higher education, the role of leadership and equity in accreditation, and why trust is central to sustaining institutional legitimacy.
Takeaways
Trust is a human foundation of leadership in higher education.
Accreditation is crucial for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of educational outcomes.
Accreditation should function as a collaborative, not adversarial, process.
Misconceptions about accreditation often undermine its perceived value.
Institutions can strengthen outcomes by using constructive feedback from accreditors.
Transparency is the key to rebuilding public trust in higher education.
Accreditation can help institutions effectively navigate systemic challenges.
Leadership in higher education requires honesty, equity, and accountability.
Innovation in accreditation is necessary to adapt to changing educational needs.
Students should look for accredited programs to ensure career readiness and value.
Trust for Thought
"Trust isn't just some abstract concept."
"You have to care about the institution first."
"Accreditation should incentivize innovation."
Keywords
trust in education, higher education accreditation, leadership in higher education, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), quality assurance, accreditation standards, education policy, institutional trust, innovation in education, transparency in higher education, accreditation process
Stay Connected
If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:
📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack.
▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel.
📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod.
🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs.
And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!
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55min
April 24, 2025Navigating Accountability and Affordability in Higher Education | Ben Cecil, Third Way
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Ben Cecil from Third Way reflects on his path into higher education policy, focusing on accountability, transparency, and the federal government's role in driving student success. He emphasizes the urgent need to rebuild public trust in higher education. He emphasizes the need for colleges and universities to communicate their value more effectively to students, their families, and the broader community.
The conversation explores the challenges faced by first-generation students, the long-term impact of COVID-19 on higher education, and the policy reforms required to support student success and economic mobility. From expanding Pell Grants to strengthening wraparound services, Ben outlines how institutions can regain trust, improve completion rates, and ensure that higher education fulfills its promise of upward mobility.
Takeaways
Accountability in higher education is a complex, nuanced, and essential concept.
Federal government involvement is key to ensuring institutional accountability.
Public trust in higher education has declined, but the value of a degree endures.
Transparent communication is necessary for rebuilding public trust.
First-generation students face unique challenges that require tailored support.
Policies must prioritize completion rates to strengthen trust in higher education.
COVID-19 reshaped student experiences and institutional operations.
Economic mobility should remain a central focus for colleges and universities.
Institutions must prioritize student outcomes over prestige rankings.
Wraparound supports are vital for all students, not just underrepresented groups.
Trust for Thought
"Accountability in higher ed is such a complex issue."
"Transparency is key to restoring public trust."
"We need to focus on economic mobility in higher ed."
Keywords
higher education, accountability, transparency, public trust, student outcomes, federal government, policy reform, first-generation students, COVID-19 and education, economic mobility, Pell Grants, higher education policy, student success, institutional trust
Stay Connected
If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper:
📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack.
▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel.
📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod.
🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs.
And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!
...more
54min

FAQs about Fault Lines:

How many episodes does Fault Lines have?

The podcast currently has 37 episodes available.