Media Minds

Mike Robbins was drafted by the Yankees out of high school, chose Stanford, then signed with the Kansas City Royals—only for an injury to end his baseball career at 25. That experience helped spark his search for the hard-to-define “chemistry” that makes teams work. On Media Minds, Robbins explains why trust and having each other’s backs matter as much as talent, and how companies can make room for honest conversations about AI-related fears. He also draws a sharp line between AI’s apparent empathy and human wisdom, sharing a candid moment when he told ChatGPT: “You’ve never had any friggin kids. Like, what do you know?”

David Wolff interviews Peter Baron Stark, a consultant and executive advisor with over 30 years of experience. Peter shares his journey from running a commercial printing company to building a thriving consulting firm through referrals. He discusses his organizational assessment approach, current leadership challenges driven by rapid change and AI, and how internal departments are being disrupted by employees using AI tools independently. Peter also explains his evolution from group training to advising 65–70 C-level executives monthly, emphasizing trust-building and expanding service offerings as keys to long-term consulting success.

David Wolf speaks with Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor, about what separates thriving retailers from struggling ones. Bob emphasizes that consistent, engaging training is the cornerstone of retail success. He introduces his AI-powered tools, Sales Plus and Sidekick Rex, which combine interactive lessons with AI role-play to boost sales retention from 38% to over 78%. Bob also highlights the irreplaceable value of human connection in retail and shares how a strong, consistent brand voice built through newsletters and social media helps retailers think differently and solve real business challenges.

David Wolf sits down with Erika Yocom, CEO of DaVita Studios, to discuss the company's growth since 2018 and its bespoke approach to audiobook and podcast production. Erica shares her journey from virtual assistant to CEO and partner. They explore the audiobook distribution landscape, dominated by Amazon, Audible, and iTunes, and break down exclusive versus non-exclusive distribution strategies. The conversation also covers podcast production, evolving listener habits, shrinking attention spans, and emerging analytics technologies, emphasizing DaVita Studios' commitment to high-quality, white-glove service for authors and podcasters.

David Wolf speaks with Sean Hettinger, Director of Podcast Production at Audivita Studios. They explore modern podcasting trends, including the shift toward video content, shorter intros replaced by compelling "cold opens," and embracing natural speech for authenticity. Sean outlines the podcast launch process, emphasizing defining a show's voice, building episode buffers for consistency, and repurposing content for social media. He also highlights AI's growing role in production and advises aspiring podcasters to focus on genuine passion over viral ambitions.

David Wolf speaks with Mark Shipman, Director of Audiobook Production at Audivita Studios, about the audiobook creation process. Mark debunks common myths, explaining that professional studios aren't necessary and that recording takes longer than the finished product's runtime. He emphasizes the importance of authors embracing their authentic voice, highlights the producer's supportive role during sessions, and outlines the editing and proofing stages. Mark also addresses AI's current limitations in narration, stressing that human emotion and storytelling remain irreplaceable. The episode concludes with an inspiring call for authors to trust the process.

In this episode of *Media Minds*, host David Wolf speaks with author, publisher, and writing coach Timothy Jacobs. Tim shares his experience living full-time in an RV from 2018 to 2025, staying close to family along the East Coast. With 18 books and over 450 articles published, Tim discusses his writing journey, beginning with a 1996 history of Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House. He emphasizes the power of books as business tools, boosting credibility and client acquisition. Tim also explores publishing ventures, ghostwriting, and platforms like Substack as effective alternatives to traditional social media for writers.

In this episode, David Wolfe interviews Deb Coviello, the "Drop In CEO," about her leadership journey and philosophy. Deb shares insights from her 30-year career, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and fostering team potential. She discusses her "Lift, Light, and Lead" framework, the value of peace of mind in leadership, and lessons from her books, including "The CEO’s Compass." The conversation highlights authentic leadership, early intervention in crises, and practical strategies for sustainable success in today’s complex business environment.

This episode features the extraordinary journey of Bilal Kola, who was born in a communist concentration camp in Albania and rose to become a prominent legal advisor across Europe. Today, he’s a globally recognized CEO coach, international keynote speaker, and author of Twelve Mindsets to Improve Life Radically. Bilal shares how early mentorship, hardship, and a vow to turn deprivation into strength set him on a lifelong mission of empowerment and impact. We explore how leaders can break through mindset blocks, balance ambition with purpose, and choose growth beyond their comfort zones. Learn more about Bilal’s work at bilalkola.com.

For more, check out “Twelve Mindsets to Improve Life Radically”, or explore Bilal Kola for keynote appearances and coaching programs.

In this conversation, Eddie Turner, a renowned leadership development expert, discusses the evolution of leadership in the modern world, the impact of his podcast on his coaching practice, and the challenges faced by emerging leaders. He emphasizes the importance of adapting leadership styles to different contexts and the necessity of continuous personal development. Eddie also shares insights on transitioning from public speaking to professional speaking and offers advice on overcoming imposter syndrome.