We are flooded with content, followers, and digital noise, but real connection still cuts through. In this episode, I sit down with David Waltzer, founder of Wicked Awesome Happy Hour, to talk about why relationships are the only currency that holds its value. David shares how he went from transplant to community builder and created the most trusted networking space for entrepreneurs in Phoenix. We talk about showing up, leading with generosity, and why in the age of AI, relationships are the one thing you cannot automate.

David Waltzer is the founder of Wicked Awesome Happy Hour, a community based networking movement in Phoenix. A United States Air Force veteran and financial services executive, David moved to Arizona in 2011 and quickly became a connector across business, nonprofit, and civic circles. Through Wicked Awesome, he has built a space rooted in generosity, trust, and real relationships, not transactions. His work continues to shape how entrepreneurs and leaders create community in a tech driven world.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-waltzer-98483b94/

Website: https://wickedawesomeconnections.com/

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Patrick Hanlon is back and we dive into the DNA of brand. Even with the rise of AI and the changes happening in culture, the foundation remains the same. The DNA is branding. We explore the elements behind belief, community, and identity, and how they apply to both personal and business brands. We talk about what AI can and cannot do when it comes to storytelling, and why building real connection is still the core of any lasting brand. If you are navigating influence or trying to create momentum in a noisy world, this is your map.

• Primal Branding is about building belief, not just visibility
• The seven elements of the Primal Code create long-term brand value
• Storytelling is how humans connect and remember
• Personal branding starts with a strong, unique narrative
• AI can support your brand strategy but cannot replace human creativity
• Building a community creates more momentum than building a personal brand alone
• A clear creation story is essential to attract the right audience
• Performance marketing drives attention, but brand building drives loyalty
• People want something to believe in, not just a product
• It takes courage and consistency to lead a movement

00:00 Introduction to Primal Branding

07:43 Personal Branding as Identity

14:59 The Role of AI in Modern Branding

24:01 Storytelling as a Competitive Advantage

30:14 Navigating Performance Marketing and Brand Building

36:05 Why Preference Drives Growth

38:49 The Creation Story and Its Impact

42:24 Why Community Beats Personal Branding

46:06 The Second Follower and Building Belief

52:35 Patrick's Journey to the Primal Code

59:39 The Future of Branding in the Age of AI

Patrick Hanlon is the founder and CEO of Primal Branding, a strategic brand consultancy built around the breakthrough framework introduced in his book Primal Branding—a modern classic that’s become required reading at YouTube and a go-to playbook for marketers worldwide.

Hanlon’s core belief: brands are belief systems. In today’s world, where audiences are burned out on interruption and hype, Primal Branding offers a clear blueprint for building communities through story, meaning, and shared identity—not just pushing messages through a megaphone. His work bridges the gap between digital, social, and traditional marketing, providing the unifying theory behind content that connects and spreads.

Over the years, Patrick and his team have launched new ventures and re-engineered iconic brands across the globe. His client list includes Levi's, PepsiCo, Shopify, Fossil, Experian, PayPal, Yum!, Kraft, Bungie, Time Warner Cable, GOOD/Upworthy, Brave Software, and The United Nations.

A frequent keynote speaker and thought leader, Patrick has spoken at TEDx, IDEO, NYU, Parsons, the American Marketing Association, and more. His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, BusinessWeek Online, Inc., Entrepreneur, and NPR, and he has appeared on CNBC, Fox Business, and as a subject matter expert on branding in the documentary series The Kennedy Files.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hanlon-primalbranding/

Website: https://www.primalbranding.co/

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This week, I had the privilege of interviewing Neal Hanlon, my mentor, friend, and futurist, about the rapid evolution of AI and what it means for the future of work.

Together, we dug into how AI has reshaped white-collar jobs since 2013 and why blue-collar skill sets will only become more valuable as automation continues to advance.

Neal and I explored the mindset shifts that leaders and professionals will need to make to thrive in an AI-driven economy, from embracing creativity and strategic thinking to cultivating self-leadership and adaptability.

We also discussed the critical role of policy and education in preparing for this transition, recognizing that policy must catch up with the pace of innovation.

This is a bold, future-focused conversation that urges listeners to embrace continuous reinvention, leverage AI as a productivity partner, and recognize that hands-on expertise will shape the next generation of wealth and influence.

Key Takeaways

• The Creativity Premium In a world where AI handles execution, the golden ticket belongs to those who can dream up what needs executing. Strategic thinking and creative problem solving become the ultimate differentiators.
• White Collar Extinction Event Entire industries built on processing information are about to discover they're competing against machines that never sleep, never err, and cost pennies per hour.
• Leverage or Perish AI isn't replacing humans. It's replacing humans who don't use AI. The winners will be those who turn these tools into productivity superpowers, not those who pretend they don't exist.
• Self Leadership Revolution Nobody's coming to save your career. The new economy rewards those who take radical ownership of their skill evolution and stop waiting for permission to reinvent themselves.
• The Blue Collar Gold Rush Physical skills are about to become digital gold. When robots can write code but can't fix your plumbing, guess who's laughing all the way to the bank?

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of AI: A Journey from 2013 to Now

07:16 The Impact of AI on White-Collar Jobs

14:09 Reinventing Skills in the Age of AI

21:55 Becoming Indispensable: The Human Element in AI

30:40 The Business Case for AI: Time and Efficiency

37:33 Government’s Role in the AI Revolution

44:30 The Future of Work: Blue-Collar Millionaires

Neal Conlon is a visionary strategist, entrepreneur, and technologist who has spent his career at the forefront of business innovation and leadership. With deep expertise spanning AI, emerging technologies, and systems thinking, Neal is known for his practical insight into how organizations and individuals can adapt to rapid change. A trusted advisor and mentor to founders, executives, and creators, he is passionate about empowering people to embrace new ideas, navigate disruption, and build lasting value in a shifting landscape.

Whether delivering keynote talks, guiding companies through transformation, or sharing his knowledge on podcasts, Neal brings a unique blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. His work centers on future-proofing careers and businesses by fostering self-leadership, innovation, and human-centered approaches in the age of automation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealconlon/

Website: www.nealconlon.com

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In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Burkett, co-founder and director at Ceop Pro AI—an AI-powered executive operating platform that delivers strategic insights in just 48 hours, ten times faster and at a fraction of the cost of traditional consulting. With over 30 years of leadership and innovation experience, Matt is passionate about making AI-powered decision-making accessible to every business leader.

We talk about how AI isn't just changing the way we work—it's rewriting the rules of society. We explore how AI is transforming business intelligence, becoming a powerful assistant, and even evolving into something more personal: a companion, a mentor, maybe even something spiritual. We unpack what this means for the collapse of white-collar roles, the future of education, and how to stay relevant in a world that's automating everything except meaning. This isn't a trend—it's a turning point.

Key Takeaways:

• AI is cutting the time and cost of business reporting dramatically
• Executives are using AI to automate high-level tasks and strategic decisions
• AI can now match our communication style and learn our unique tone
• We're seeing AI shift from being a tool to becoming a trusted partner
• There's a real conversation happening about trust and belief in AI systems
• White-collar work as we know it is being automated out of existence
• Education is next unless it transforms to meet this moment
• Personal productivity and growth are now accelerated exponentially by AI
• Those who master AI tools will dominate the next job market
• This moment belongs to people who move fast and stay sharp

Chapters:

00:00 Revolutionizing Business Intelligence with AI

12:05 AI as a Companion and Mentor

20:08 The Impact of AI on Employment and Society

29:53 The Future of AI and Human Integration

Matthew Burkett is Director at CEOPRO.ai, where they're revolutionizing business intelligence with AI. Their platform delivers strategic insights in just 48 hours, 10x faster and at 1/10th the cost of traditional consulting. With over 30 years of experience in leadership and innovation, Matt is passionate about making AI powered decision making accessible to every business leader.

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattburkett/

Website: https://www.ceopro.ai/

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In this captivating conversation, I sit down with Mary Kay Garrett after meeting her at a networking event at Podworks Studio. What began as my curiosity about her incredible 60-pound weight loss journey using ChatGPT quickly unfolded into a powerful story of total life transformation through authentic AI.

Mary Kay reveals how the same AI tools that helped her shed 60 pounds became the foundation for revolutionizing her entire approach to business. She shares her unique methodology for creating "soul-infused" AI that authentically reflects your deepest values, vision, and purpose—turning personal transformation into professional breakthrough.

Key Takeaways:

• How ChatGPT can be used as a powerful weight loss coach and accountability partner
• The connection between personal transformation and business success
• Mary Kay's methodology for creating AI that reflects your authentic voice and values
• How to use AI as a conscious partner without losing your humanity
• Turning breakthrough moments into scalable business opportunities
• The difference between mimicking and authentically infusing AI with your essence

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and Meeting Mary Kay at Pod Works

02:50: The 60-Pound Weight Loss Journey with AI

08:03: Tools and Data: Tracking Health with AI

12:58: From Weight Loss to Healing Journey

16:34: AI as Emotional Counselor and Relationship Healer

19:19: Defining AI as Higher Consciousness Partner

21:40: Soul-Infused AI: Creating Authentic Digital Personas

25:13: The Future of AI in the Workplace

29:08: Family Response to AI Transformation

30:21: AI's Revolutionary Impact on Society

32:29: Balancing AI with Human Connection

33:46 – Embrace AI Partnership: Final Advice

Guest Bio

Mary Kay Garrett is the founder of Soul-Infused AI, where she partners with entrepreneurs to create deeply auhentic AI that truly reflects their unique voice, vision, and purpose. Through personalized workshops, leadership coaching, and training programs, Mary Kay guides entrepreneurs to step into their authenticity and confidently infuse AI with their values and true selves. As a speaker, AI trainer, leadership coach, and authenticity mentor, she specializes in authentic AI training, conscious leadership, and helping entrepreneurs maintain their authentic essence while leveraging artificial intelligence for business growth.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soulinfusedai/

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In this episode, I sit down with DJ Barton, a seasoned entrepreneur who's revolutionized how he uses AI as a personal coach and mentor. DJ reveals how he's created AI alter egos that understand his unique needs and challenges, essentially building himself a $10,000 coach that's available 24/7.

DJ shares his practical strategies for training AI to unlock its true potential, emphasizing the importance of detailed communication and his "high tech, high touch" philosophy that balances AI capabilities with human insight. He explains why embracing AI isn't just advantageous but essential for future success, offering listeners a clear roadmap for leveraging AI in both business growth and personal development.

• AI can serve as a personal coach and mentor available 24/7
• Training AI requires detailed and specific communication about your unique context
• Creating an alter ego for AI enhances its effectiveness as a personalized advisor
• High tech should be balanced with high touch for optimal results
• AI can condense time and streamline processes when properly utilized
• Personal development is crucial in leveraging AI's full potential
• Effective communication is key to maximizing AI's coaching capabilities
• AI can help overcome mental roadblocks and limiting beliefs by providing objective perspective
• Embracing AI is essential for future success in business and personal growth
• Being coachable and humble enhances the entire AI experience

• Unlocking the Power of AI in Business
• Transforming Your Life with AI Coaching
• The Future of Entrepreneurship with AI

• "High tech, but also high touch."
• "AI could be my $10,000 coach."
• "You have to be a sponge to eager to learn."
• "You can train it to be the best version of you."
• "It's hard to see the picture when you're in the frame."
• "AI is a 10,000-hour coach and mentor."
• "The universe aligned us last week."

00:00 Introduction to AI and Entrepreneurship

02:59 The Power of AI as a Personal Coach

05:52 Training Your AI: Creating an Alter Ego

08:49 Maximizing AI for Business and Personal Growth

11:49 The Importance of Detail in AI Interactions

15:05 High Tech, High Touch: Balancing AI and Human Insight

17:54 Personal Insights and Communication Skills

20:49 The Societal Impact of AI and Alter Egos

24:01 Future of AI: Embracing Change

27:03 Practical Steps to Start Using AI

29:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Bi: DJ Barton

DJ Barton is a serial entrepreneur with over a decade of business experience and Co-Founder of Go Levarti, a travel company that helps families save up to 70% on vacations. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, DJ specializes in helping entrepreneurs create scalable, location-independent businesses and is recognized for his innovative marketing strategies and dynamic leadership approach. He's a sought-after speaker and coach who focuses on business growth, personal development, and achieving financial and lifestyle freedom.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealdjbarton/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdjbarton/

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In this conversation, I sit down with Patrick Hanlon, author of Primal Branding—widely regarded as the most important book on branding ever written. Together, we explore why positioning is no longer enough, and how the brands that thrive in 2025 will be those that build community and belief—not just visibility.

Patrick shares how the Primal Code—a set of elements like creation stories, rituals, and nonbelievers—is still the most powerful blueprint for building a brand people want to follow. We dive into how AI is changing branding, the tension between performance marketing and long-term brand equity, and what it means to create authentic human connection in a data-driven world.

Takeaways

Primal Branding builds belief systems, not just marketing plans

Preference—not positioning—is what drives buying decisions

Your creation story sets emotional context and builds trust

Community is the new personal brand

AI can assist with brand audits and strategy, but can’t replace story

Branding without authenticity is forgettable

The second follower is what turns attention into momentum

Differentiation comes from meaning, not noise

Performance marketing is a sprint; branding is a marathon

Success is about becoming a magnet, not a megaphone

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Patrick Hanlon and Primal Branding

07:45 – The Essence of Personal Branding

15:04 – How AI Is Reshaping Branding

24:08 – Storytelling: The Original Influence Strategy

30:23 – Performance Marketing vs. Long-Term Brand Building

36:20 – Why Preference Beats Positioning

39:05 – Creation Stories and Emotional Loyalty

42:40 – From Personal Branding to Community-Led Growth

46:24 – The Role of the Second Follower

52:55 – The Origins and Framework of Primal Branding

01:00:03 – Belief, Branding, and the Future with AI

Patrick Hanlon is the founder and CEO of Primal Branding, a strategic brand consultancy built around the breakthrough framework introduced in his book Primal Branding—a modern classic that’s become required reading at YouTube and a go-to playbook for marketers worldwide.

Hanlon’s core belief: brands are belief systems. In today’s world, where audiences are burned out on interruption and hype, Primal Branding offers a clear blueprint for building communities through story, meaning, and shared identity—not just pushing messages through a megaphone. His work bridges the gap between digital, social, and traditional marketing, providing the unifying theory behind content that connects and spreads.

Over the years, Patrick and his team have launched new ventures and re-engineered iconic brands across the globe. His client list includes Levi's, PepsiCo, Shopify, Fossil, Experian, PayPal, Yum!, Kraft, Bungie, Time Warner Cable, GOOD/Upworthy, Brave Software, and The United Nations.

A frequent keynote speaker and thought leader, Patrick has spoken at TEDx, IDEO, NYU, Parsons, the American Marketing Association, and more. His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, BusinessWeek Online, Inc., Entrepreneur, and NPR, and he has appeared on CNBC, Fox Business, and as a subject matter expert on branding in the documentary series The Kennedy Files.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hanlon-primalbranding/

Website: https://www.primalbranding.co/

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I sat down with Mike Klein to talk about what it really takes to lead through communication in a world that’s anything but stable. This isn’t just about writing clean copy or managing internal newsletters—it’s about power, politics, and personal presence.

Strategic communicators are being called to step up, not blend in. In this episode, we get into the real work of influence: shaping narratives, building credibility, navigating political landmines, and becoming the kind of leader people listen to.

Key Takeaways:

• Communication isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership skill.
• Political climate shapes how and what we communicate—internally and externally.
• Personal branding isn’t optional anymore—your name is your leverage.
• Strategic communicators are power players, not support staff.
• Your network is your influence amplifier—introductions build authority.
• Legacy in comms isn’t about tenure—it’s about impact.

Soundbite:

“If you can’t communicate, you can’t lead.”

“Credibility is the ultimate currency in communication.”

“Strategic communicators are the translators of chaos.”

“We are all brands now. The only question is: are you managing yours?”

“Real influence is built behind the scenes, through connection and consistency.”

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why this conversation matters

04:50 – The shift from messaging to strategy

08:34 – Chaos, communication, and control

12:34 – Navigating the political climate at work

16:32 – What organizations get wrong about comms

19:02 – Personal branding as a leadership tool

22:04 – Strategic communication as career leverage

25:56 – Building your presence and perception

28:50 – The hidden value of introductions

33:16 – Leadership, legacy, and the future of comms

37:35 – Final thoughts: owning your influence

Guest Bio: Mike Klein

Mike Klein is a globally recognized expert in strategic and internal communication. With over 20 years of experience leading comms for global giants like Shell and Maersk, he’s the founder of #WeLeadComms and a vocal advocate for elevating the role of communicators in complex organizations. Based in Reykjavík, Mike is known for challenging the status quo and shaping the future of influence from the inside out.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/

Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

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My guest this week is Cailean Bailey, Head of Global Talent Acquisition at Design Pickle. We dive into what it really means to hire in the age of AI: and why it’s not about humans vs. machines, but about hiring humans who know how to use AI.

Cailean brings a fresh and creative lens to recruiting, shaped by his years coaching Division I men’s soccer. At Design Pickle, he leads hiring across Technical, GTM, and Creative roles: and shares how their approach to “Pickle-izing” the hiring process helps protect culture, voice, and standards.

We explore why curiosity and grit matter more than traditional credentials: how AI is changing the way we think about creativity and ghostwriting: and what the future of work looks like when the human element and technology work in sync. If you're building a team, applying for roles, or navigating where you fit in the AI-powered workforce, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

Hire the human who uses AI

Never sacrifice your standards: just upgrade your tools

Pickle-izing is about cultural alignment and consistency

Curiosity, grit, and adaptability are non-negotiables

AI doesn’t replace creatives: it powers them up

Soundbites:

"AI is part of your team"

"You won’t lose your job to AI: you’ll lose it to someone using it"

"Curiosity is a massive green flag"

"The true creative is you"

Timestamps:

00:00: Introduction to Talent Acquisition and AI

02:55: Hiring Philosophy: Standards and Human Element

06:12: From Coaching to Corporate Team Building

08:44: Integrating AI into the Hiring Process

12:04: Enhancing Candidate Experience with Automation

14:57: What It Means to Pickle-ize Recruitment

18:02: AI as a Power-Up in Creative Roles

20:58: Addressing AI Stigma in Job Applications

25:32: Ghostwriting to Voice Writing

26:20: The Need for Upskilling and Adaptability

29:14: Navigating Job Displacement and Human Potential

30:15: AI as a Tool for Human Empowerment

34:15: Creativity, Ethics, and Originality in the AI Era

37:48: The Human Skills You Can’t Automate

45:26: Final Thoughts on AI and Human Collaboration

Guest Bio: Cailean Bailey

Cailean Bailey is a leader in global talent acquisition, with expertise in recruiting across technical, creative, and go-to-market teams. He currently leads Global Talent Acquisition at Design Pickle: a creative services platform powered by a built-in design workforce. Known for scaling startups and creating engaging hiring experiences, Cailean brings a creative spin to recruitment with a strong foundation in team building and onboarding.

Before his corporate career, Cailean was a Division I men’s soccer coach: a background that deeply informs his leadership and hiring style today. He’s based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is passionate about blending AI with the human touch to build smarter, stronger teams.

Connect with Cailean:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caileanbailey/

Design Pickle: https://designpickle.com

#PublicFigureSociety #HRMeetsAI #HiringWithHeart #AIFluency #WorkforceReady #DesignPickle #HumanEdge #RecruitmentReimagined #FutureOfHiring #VoiceNotGhost #CuriosityWins

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In this episode, host Torund Bryhn dives into the world of communication with guest Kelly Leightner, an expert in sales and interpersonal connections. Kelly introduces us to an intriguing methodology, the bank code, designed to help individuals communicate effectively by understanding different personality types. 

They explore how this system, originally developed to improve sales efficiency, can transform personal and professional relationships. From its roots with an entrepreneur struggling to make ends meet to its impactful application in businesses and personal lives, the bank code is a powerful tool that enhances emotional intelligence and fosters better connections. 

Discover how aligning language with personality types can help you attract the right clients, build stronger relationships, and achieve greater success. Whether you're a brand builder, leader, or visionary, join us to uncover the secrets of understanding and influencing the diverse spectrum of human personalities. Tune in and get ready to revolutionize your communication strategy.

Key Moments: 

06:17 Understanding Action Personalities with BANK

09:29 "Relationships Drive Sales Success"

12:03 "Adapting Writing with Bank Code"

14:17 Writing and Self-Discovery Insights

19:53 Arizona's Relaxed Time Norms

21:57 AI Enhances Efficiency and Empathy

26:48 "Perceptions of My Dad's Intelligence"

30:10 "Decode: Enhancing Communication Effectiveness"

33:29 Free Training Repeats for Trainers

36:45 AI and Authentic Communication

37:38 "Embrace Authenticity in Writing"

41:21 Highly Recommend This Personality Test

About the Guest : 

Kelly Leightner is a creative thinker and innovator who discovered a unique approach to understanding personality dynamics in interactions. Intrigued by the notion of why some people respond positively while others refuse, she delved into personality assessments, reverse-engineering them to develop her own method. Her groundbreaking system allows her to quickly discern an individual's personality in ninety seconds or less. This innovative approach has become an invaluable tool in her professional endeavors, enhancing her ability to connect and communicate effectively with others.

Link to crack your code https://codebreakerglobal.com/crackyourcode/kelly.leightner-2

Website www.KommunicationWithKelly.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.leightner

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyleightner/

Email: [email protected]

How to connect Torund : 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torundb/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torundb/

Website: https://torundbryhn.com/

Link to buy her book: https://amzn.to/3UmTJzI

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