Fault Lines

By Richard RomanSociety & Culture Business Education

Fault Lines episodes

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
14 min
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!
29 min
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!
55 min
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!
57 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
54 min
April 17, 2025Building Trust and Talent Activation in Higher Ed | Dr. Bridget Burns, University Innovation Alliance (UIA)
Summary
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Dr. Bridget Burns reflects on her transformative journey in higher education, sharing how collaboration, trust, and empathy are essential for redesigning student experiences. She emphasizes the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and innovation within colleges and universities, while addressing both the challenges and opportunities faced by today’s educational leaders.
The conversation explores the future of student success, career readiness, and the integration of technology in higher education. As the founder of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), Dr. Burns highlights how institutions can build greater trust by acting as true partners to students, embracing adaptability, and prioritizing student-centered approaches to learning and leadership.
Takeaways
Dr. Burns struggled in high school but found academic transformation in college.
Her time at Oregon State University was pivotal in shaping her career.
Collaboration and trust are cornerstones of student and institutional success.
Empathy must drive efforts to redesign student learning experiences.
Higher education must remain accountable for measurable student outcomes.
Public trust in higher education is declining for valid reasons and must be rebuilt.
Institutions should act as partners, not gatekeepers, in student success.
Transformative leaders in higher education must commit to longer tenures.
AI and technology should be embraced as tools for innovation and redesign.
The future of higher education demands adaptability and a strong emphasis on meeting student needs and fostering career readiness.
Trust for Thought
"We need everybody pulling together."
"Empathy is the first step of design."
"You can't pay people to transform."
Keywords
higher education, student success, leadership in education, collaboration, trust in institutions, educational innovation, accountability in higher education, empathy in teaching, career readiness, redesigning education, technology in education, institutional transparency
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!
50 min
April 10, 2025The Business of Belief: The Evolution of Influencer Marketing | Christine Wilson, CEO of MtoM Consulting
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Christine Wilson shares her journey from traditional sales to founding M2M Consulting, a digital marketing agency specializing in influencer marketing, consumer trust, and brand strategy. She unpacks the evolution of digital marketing and social media, explaining how authenticity has become essential for building trust with today’s consumers, especially Gen Z audiences.
Christine also dives into the impact of influencer marketing, the challenges and opportunities of AI in digital marketing, and the common mistakes small businesses make when designing their marketing strategies. From the power of video content to the importance of transparency, this conversation highlights what businesses need to know to succeed in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Takeaways
Trust is the foundation for connecting with Gen Z and digital-first consumers.
Influencer marketing has evolved far beyond early mom blogger campaigns.
Authenticity in marketing is crucial for building long-term consumer trust.
AI in marketing brings new opportunities and risks that brands must navigate.
Video content is one of the most effective tools for engaging younger audiences.
Small businesses must create a realistic marketing budget to compete online.
Quality content outperforms quantity on social media platforms.
Going viral is not a strategy; it’s an outcome, not a guarantee.
A strong team culture supports both productivity and consumer trust.
Listening to and acting on consumer feedback is critical for influencer success.
Trust for Thought
"Trust is everything, especially Gen Z."
"You have to put in the time and the energy."
"Talking is my favorite thing to do."
Keywords

digital marketing, influencer marketing, social media strategy, brand trust, consumer trust, AI in marketing, marketing trends, authenticity in marketing, consumer behavior, small business marketing, M2M Consulting, Gen Z marketing, video marketing, marketing strategy
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!
52 min
April 03, 2025Open by Design: Building Trust in Policy and Tech | Katie Steen-James, Open Source Initiative
In this episode of Trust Be Told, Katie Steen-James shares her journey as an advocate in higher education, highlighting the evolving role of public trust in institutions and the growing need for communication, transparency, and collaboration. She discusses the challenges that higher education leaders face when engaging with students, lawmakers, and stakeholders, and how open-source technology and AI are shaping the future of education policy and innovation.
The conversation also examines the power of personal stories in advocacy, the impact of polarization on institutional trust, and strategies for rebuilding trust in public institutions during periods of political and social change. Whether you are an educator, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers insight into the future of trust, advocacy, and leadership in higher education. For more about Katie's work, visit the Open Source Initiative (OSI).
Takeaways
Advocacy in higher education often begins with undergraduate students.
Public trust in institutions is shifting and challenged by polarized politics.
Engagement with students is a cornerstone of building long-term trust.
Open source technology is reshaping education, innovation, and policy.
Effective communication strategies must adapt to the changing landscape of trust.
Personal stories can drive advocacy efforts more powerfully than data alone.
Transparency is non-negotiable for building credibility with stakeholders.
AI in education is still emerging, and its role in trust-building is critical to define.
Stakeholder collaboration across sectors yields stronger, more sustainable solutions.
Rebuilding trust requires time, authenticity, and genuine engagement.
Trust for Thought
"Trust is built on vulnerability."
"You don't have to trust equally."
"Trust is a learned experience."
Keywords
higher education, public trust, advocacy, open source technology, communication strategies, transparency, AI in education, stakeholder engagement, policy and politics, student advocacy, institutional trust, collaboration in education
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!
56 min

About Fault Lines

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

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About Fault Lines