Fault Lines

In this episode of Trust Be Told, Bernadette Marciniak shares her journey from journalism to founding Solhaus Media, a creative agency that specializes in storytelling for nonprofits and social impact organizations. The conversation explores the power of storytelling in building trust, the systemic trust challenges faced by nonprofits, and the role of media in shaping public perceptions and trust dynamics.

Bernadette also discusses the balance between authenticity and aesthetics in visual storytelling, the shifting landscape of journalism, and the growing importance of authentic communication in an oversaturated creative market. Listeners will gain insight into how creatives and storytellers can influence broader conversations about trust, leadership, and social change.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

"I love the idea of a survivor wealth summit."

Keywords

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Michelle shares her entrepreneurial journey with Richard. It's a journey that began with the founding of a yoga school in 2012. She reflects on the challenges, betrayals, and lessons that shaped her understanding of trust, leadership, and discernment.

Michelle explores the intersection of yoga and Christian spirituality, highlighting the transformative impact of forgiveness, emotional healing, and the creation of safe spaces for personal and community growth. She highlights how leadership rooted in reflection, accountability, and spirituality can empower individuals to overcome adversity and pursue their purpose.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

Keywords

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Richard Roman sits down with his former professor, Shannon Gayk, to explore her latest research on the intersection of medieval literature, environmental justice, and climate change. Her latest book, Apocalyptic Ecologies, explores the ethical implications of these connections. They discuss how medieval texts provide valuable insights into apocalyptic narratives, catastrophe, and community care, offering parallels to today’s climate crisis.

The conversation highlights the importance of trust, attention, and sustainability in navigating a fragile world, and how literature can enhance our understanding of disaster, resilience, and the ethics of care. Drawing on both scholarship and lived experience, Richard and Shannon reflect on mortality, community trust, and environmental stewardship, urging listeners to consider how the arts and humanities can shape responses to the climate emergency.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

"Trust is built through attention and care."

Keywords

climate change, medieval literature, environmental justice, apocalypse, apocalyptic literature, ethics of care, sustainability, community, trust, mortality, humanities and climate, environmental catastrophe, ecological storytelling

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Sonia Baschez shares her career journey in marketing and brand strategy, highlighting the importance of storytelling and authentic communication in building long-term brand trust. She examines how marketing strategies have evolved, the role of culture in shaping consumer behavior, and why vulnerability is crucial for fostering genuine connections with audiences.

Sonia also examines the challenges of navigating marketing trends in the digital age, the rise of social media branding, and how startups can successfully engage consumers through empathy-driven approaches. By emphasizing authenticity and cultural relevance, Sonia makes the case for a more empathetic and transparent approach to marketing that resonates with today’s audiences. For more about Sonia and her work, visit Yapping As A Service (YAAS). 

Takeaways

Trust for Thought

"I'm good at convincing people to like do stuff."

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Keywords

marketing, storytelling in business, brand trust, consumer behavior, marketing culture, marketing trends, authentic communication, startup marketing, marketing strategies, vulnerability in leadership, empathy in marketing, social media branding

In this episode of Trust Be Told, Dr. Kevin McClure reflects on his unexpected journey into higher education leadership and the lessons learned from navigating the challenges of the pandemic. He discusses his book, The Caring University, and how COVID-19 has amplified workload pressures, faculty burnout, and staff stress, all the while accelerating the ongoing effects of the Great Resignation in academia.

Dr. McClure emphasizes the critical importance of trust, organizational care, and employee well-being in shaping a sustainable workplace culture. He also shares examples of colleges and universities that are successfully adopting caring practices, illustrating how prioritizing faculty and staff wellbeing directly supports student success. This conversation highlights the need to reassess organizational values, compensation, and culture for the future of higher education.

Episode Takeaways

Trust for Thought 

"We could be seeing a lot more of this."

Keywords

higher education, Dr. Kevin McClure, The Caring University, pandemic and higher education, great resignation in academia, trust in organizations, employee wellbeing, organizational care, faculty burnout, student success, workplace culture, higher education leadership

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, the conversation explores the vital role of trust in business and marketing, examining how it drives both relationships and long-term success. Richard Roman chats with Gal Borenstein to discuss the founding of The Borenstein Group, highlighting the innovative branding and marketing strategies that set it apart in the competitive digital marketplace.

They also address the challenges of adapting marketing approaches across industries, emphasizing the importance of understanding client culture and customer needs. The role of AI in marketing is explored, with insights on how artificial intelligence can enhance human decision-making rather than replace it. The discussion concludes with a focus on building authentic connections, transparency, and trust in the digital age, offering practical takeaways for business leaders, marketers, and entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

"We need to figure that out pretty quickly."

Keywords

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In this conversation, Richard Roman and Genevieve Pitturo connect to discuss her fascinating journey from a corporate executive to the founder of the Pajama Program, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and compassion in leadership. She discusses the challenges of stepping away from a successful career to pursue a mission that aligns with her heart's calling, the significance of building trust with donors and partners, and the impact of human connection in fostering a positive organizational culture. Genevieve also highlights the lessons learned from her experiences and the importance of leading with love and empathy.

Takeaways

Trust for Thought

Keywords

trust, leadership, self-discovery, nonprofit, Pajama Program, vulnerability, compassion, human connection, legacy, empowerment

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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

Trust For Thought

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

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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.

Keywords: trust, democracy, institutional trust, public trust, government, AI and trust, misinformation crisis, civic engagement, higher education

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.

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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.