What do you do when the career path that once felt clear no longer is? What if that stuck, uneasy feeling in the middle of your career isn’t a failure, it’s information and an opportunity to rewrite your career story.

On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Adrion Porter founder of Mid-Career Mastery, host of the podcast Gen X Amplified, and a LinkedIn top voice joins Kim and Jason to talk honestly about the “Messy Middle” and what to do when your old definitions of success no longer fit. 

Together, they explore Adrion’s Mastery Map, a practical framework for getting unstuck by letting go of limiting beliefs, finding meaning, and making intentional choices even when the next step isn’t obvious.  They also dig into navigating generational differences, the reality of different lived experiences and the divisive stories we tell ourselves and how to strengthen relationships across generations.

If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain about what’s next, or frustrated that doing your best work feels harder than it used to, this conversation offers grounded ways to move forward.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:04) Adrion’s Origin StoryA layoff at 40 forces Adrion to rethink what’s next.

(06:51) Owning Your StoryKim & Adrion explore the narratives that had Kim stuck and how she rewrote those.

(09:02) Mindset & Limiting BeliefsWhy reframing how you think is the first step forward.

(11:48) The Mastery Map FrameworkThe pillars of the framework: mindset, meaning, and milestones.

(16:23) When You Feel TrappedNavigating change when money, family, or expectations limit options.

(17:48) The Framework in ActionAdrion tells the story of  a specific application of the framework.

(20:39) Breakthrough Moments from the WorkWhat Adrion sees when people finally rewrite their story.

(23:04) From Messy Middle to Magical MiddleWhy mid-career can be a season of reinvention.

(26:42) Generations & Work StoriesHow different generations think about success and work.

(32:37) Wisdom, Age & Radical CandorWhat experience adds to communication and feedback.

(37:25) One Action to Take This WeekA practical step to start changing your story now.
(38:21) Conclusion

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The early internet was built on big hopes—access, openness, connection, and the belief that technology could make the world fairer. In this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim & Jason are in conversation with Steven Levy. His recent article, “I thought I knew Silicon Valley. I was wrong.”, becomes the lens through which they revisit tech’s early promise and its reality today.

They take an honest look at the optimism that shaped Silicon Valley’s early culture and how those ideals unraveled. Kim & Steven candidly share their unique perspective of  how it feels to recognize the gap between what they believed and what actually happened as two people who had a front row seat. 

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, grounded, and honest conversation about how tech’s story was written—and rewritten—in real time, and what today’s leaders can learn from examining both intention and impact, this episode offers clarity and perspective you can apply right now.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:39) “I Thought I Knew Silicon Valley. I Was Wrong.”

(03:38) From Idealism to Influence: When Tech’s Culture Shifted

(06:30) Recalling the Internet We Hoped For

(12:27) The Claims of AI

(15:01) The Long Tail

(16:56) Enshittification & The Age of Extraction

(20:05) Do a CEO’s Values Matter?

(24:37) What to Do When You Don’t Align With Your Company

(29:36) Looking Back with Clearer Eyes

(32:29) What Corrupted Silicon Valley

(33:56) Conclusion

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How do you fix what’s not working without losing trust in the process? On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim and Amy talk with beloved Harvard Business professor Frances Frei and her wife, CEO and bestselling author Anne Morriss, about why speed and care aren’t opposites — and how the right sequence of actions can help you go faster and strengthen relationships along the way.

Anne and Frances break down the five-day framework behind their book Move Fast and Fix Things, share real stories from coaching leaders and teams, and explain why so many of us misdiagnose the problems we’re trying to solve. They also walk through their “trust triangle” — authenticity, logic, and empathy — and reveal how understanding your own “wobbles” can help you communicate more clearly, lead with confidence, and create momentum without leaving people behind.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:49) The Why & Origins of Move Fast and Fix Things

Frances and Anne explain how speed and care can work together.

(05:03) Monday: Start by Diagnosing the Right Problem

Why so many leaders fix the wrong thing—and how to avoid it.

(07:38) The Velvet Coffin

The Dangers of moving too slowly

(12:55) How to Solve the Right Problem

Approaches to use to get to the true problem

(15:49) Coaching Effectively

 A real world story of getting to & solving  the correct problem.

(19:09) The Trust Triangle: Logic, Empathy, Authenticity

How trust wobbles show up and what to do about them.

(30:55) Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

The remaining steps in the framework

(32:09) Dealing with Bosses

How to speak truth to power using the trust triangle and scripts

(38:30) Scooby Snacks

Examples of positive feedback

(42:44) Conclusion

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Difficult conversations don’t get easier by avoiding them—but they can get better when you prepare for them by getting curious. On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim talks with Jeff Wetzler, author of ASK, about how staying curious helps us understand what others are really thinking and feeling.

Jeff walks us through the curiosity curve and explains how to move into greater curiosity to reduce misunderstandings, deepen trust, and make space for more honest, helpful conversations—at work and at home.

If you’ve ever faced a moment where you weren’t sure how to start, what to say, or how someone might react, this episode offers simple tools to help you connect with care and communicate with greater clarity.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com⁠

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Transcript⁠

⁠Jeff Wetzler

⁠Book | Ask

⁠Article | The Right Way To Prepare for High Stakes Conversations

⁠Jason Rosoff : Get Curious Not Furious | YouTube

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00) Preparing for High Stakes Conversations

 Jeff and Kim chat about why curiosity is essential for high stakes conversations

(03:17) The Curiosity Arc

Jeff introduces the sections of the Arc

(12:34) The Curiosity Check

Checking in to see where you are and where you want to be

(18:16) How to Move Along the Arc

Jeff explains head, heart, and hand-based ways to move along the Arc

(27:06) Letting Go

The importance of exhaling and letting go of the agenda in leadership

(31:34) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

Kim & Jeff discuss the use of DBT 

(32:43) Checking Someone Else’s Curiosity Level

Jeff explains how to help others get curious 

(37:56) Curiosity and Candor

Kim explores why curiosity is essential to candor

(41:54) Conclusion

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When it comes to making a real difference, being remarkable isn’t about fame or titles—it’s about how you show up for others and yourself. Kim and Amy are joined by Guy Kawasaki—chief evangelist at Canva, bestselling author, and host of the Remarkable People podcast—to talk about what it really means to be remarkable. Guy shares stories from his book Think Remarkable and reflects on how growth, grit, and grace can help us create meaningful work and stronger relationships. From learning to embrace imposter syndrome, to saying “yes” when opportunity knocks, to finding joy in unexpected places (like surfing and parenting), Guy offers practical guidance for anyone who wants to make a difference. Tune in and discover how to bring more meaning—and more remarkable moments—into your life.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transcript

Guy Kawasaki

Books | Guy Kawasaki 

Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People Podcast 

Think Remarkable | Guy Kawasaki

Guy Kawasaki | Substack

Is There Better Than Better | Ellen Langer 

Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck

Mindset | Carol Dweck

Kim Scott: The Power of Radical Respect and Candor | YouTube

The Problem With Passion 3 | 9 | Radical Candor

Beyond 'Sorry': How to Apologize and Mean It 6 | 22 | Radical Candor

Remarkably Candid: Insights from Guy Kawasaki 6 | 31

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Amy and Kim introduce Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist, author and host of the Remarkable People podcast.

(00:03:02) Power of Saying Yes

Guy discusses his “say yes" philosophy and its impact on his career.

(00:06:54) What It Means to Be Remarkable

What it means to be remarkable and how everyone can make a difference.

(00:09:26) Being Remarkable with Jane Goodall

The story of Jane Goodall writing his foreword and being on the podcast.

(00:16:04) Growth Mindset & The Right Environment

How the right environment is crucial for fostering a growth mindset.

(00:20:59) Passion, Interests & Ikigai

The value of exploration and interests over forced passion.

(00:24:05) Get Interested in Your People

Lessons from taking up kids’ interests and parallels to leadership.

(00:29:43) Dealing with Stereotypes

Personal experiences and learning to respond with humor or candor.

(00:37:40) Bridging Viewpoints

Understanding opposing perspectives by asking how instead of why.

(00:42:02) Grace, Grit, & Growth

Connecting with Stacey Abrams and her alignment with Guy’s book.

(00:47:07) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Advice on recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome.

(00:53:45) Making Decisions Right

Focus on making decisions right, not making the right decisions.

(00:55:52) Lessons in Motivation

A story about mistaken identity and unexpected sources of motivation.

(01:00:40) Conclusion

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How do you stay true to your values when the pressure’s on? On this episode of The Radical Candor Podcast, Kim and Jason talk with Robert Glazer, author of The Compass Within, about what it really means to live and lead by your core values.

Robert shares how storytelling helps bring his framework for discovering and defining core values to life. Together, they explore how understanding what truly drives you can strengthen trust, simplify tough decisions, and help you authentically lead with care and conviction — even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find your direction, make confident choices, and lead without losing yourself, this conversation is your compass.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00) A New Chapter for Radical Candor

Jason shares an update on the podcast’s new twice-a-month format 

(00:48) Meet Robert Glazer

Kim and Jason introduce Robert, his book The Compass Within, and the idea of values as a leadership compass.

(03:09) Why Values Matter

Why defining your personal values is essential for authentic leadership and decision-making.

(07:45) The Inverse Test

How frustration and discomfort can reveal your true core values.

(13:26) From Trust to Reliability

Kim and Robert explore how words like “trust” and “integrity” mean different things—and why clarity matters.

(21:30) The Six Questions Framework

Robert shares his practical process for identifying and validating your core values.

(27:22) The Cost of Integrity

Kim reflects on a time when staying true to her values came at a cost—and why it was worth it.

(41:20) Living Your Values

Robert reveals his own core values and how they connect to Radical Candor’s idea of “respectful authenticity.”

(49:12) Closing Reflections

How knowing your compass—your values—can help you lead with clarity, care, and conviction.

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Great films aren’t just about talent — they’re built on trust, clarity, and the kind of feedback that helps people grow. Kim and Amy talk with producer Adam Richman (Gran Torino, The Burial,) about Double Nickel's new film, Grow,  and how Radical Candor can actually fuel creativity.

Adam shares why flattening hierarchies strengthens collaboration, how constraints spark innovation, and why gratitude creates teams that thrive. He also reflects on the joy of making Grow, a family film full of heart, hope, and giant pumpkins — coming to theaters October 17th.

If you want to create cultures where feedback is welcomed, relationships matter, and creativity flourishes, this conversation offers the inspiration to get started.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim and Amy introduce Adam Richman, producer of Gran Torino, The Burial, and Grow.

(00:03:07) Radical Candor in Creative Work

How caring personally and challenging directly helps creative teams thrive.

(00:08:34) Why Constraints Fuel Innovation

Adam shares how budget limits on Grow sparked better ideas.

(00:14:09) Flattening Hierarchies in Hollywood

Breaking down status walls on set to build stronger collaboration.

(00:20:21) Mentorship & Leading with Kindness

The role of mentorship and kindness in sustaining creative careers.

(00:24:10) Cultivating a Culture with Intention

Creating clarity and trust, and appreciation at every stage of production.

(00:28:44) The Film-Making Process

Adam explains the process of making Grow

(00:34:15) Feedback & Collaboration

How Radical Candor guides tough conversations and creative decisions.

(00:39:13) The Importance of Setting the Table

Lessons from Post-Production

(00:44:51) The Joy of Grow

Why this family film, out October 17th, is filled with hope and heart. 

(00:48:48) Music & Joyful Storytelling

The story behind KT Tunstall’s theme song for Grow.

(00:52:15) Conclusion

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Chasing efficiency by flattening your organization can sound appealing, but true innovation and collaboration often thrive in a different kind of structure. Kim and Jason discuss how a thoughtful hierarchy — built on trust, clarity, and collaboration — helps teams do their best work. Drawing on lessons from Google, Apple, and Khan Academy, they share how empowered managers, clear decision-making, and open communication can transform the way organizations function. They also offer practical strategies for creating a collaboration hierarchy that supports managers, strengthens relationships, and gives great ideas the space to flourish. If you’re ready to build a culture where teams feel trusted, connected, and inspired, this conversation provides the helpful guidance you need to make it happen.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transcript

Middle Managers: Dinosaurs or Essential Glue? 7 | 4

Get Shit Done Step 4 — Push Decisions Into the Facts 4 | 10

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim and Jason introduce why “flat” organizations aren’t always as efficient as they seem.

(00:01:56) The Myth of Flat Organizations

Why fewer layers don’t automatically lead to better efficiency.

(00:04:03) Why Companies Flatten

Collaboration hierarchies versus command-and-control structures.

(00:08:02) Reality of Managerial Capacity

How having manageable spans of control can foster innovation.

(00:12:44) Collaborative Hierarchies

Examples of how thoughtful hierarchy supports entrepreneurship.

(00:18:48) Decision-Making & Trust

Building employee trust through transparent decision-making.

(00:22:01) Avoiding Silent Failures

The hidden risks when managers are overloaded and politics take over.

(00:26:45) Democratizing Communication

How open communication and collaboration beat rigid hierarchies.

(00:29:31) Fixing Managerial Overload

Practical strategies to maintain efficiency without burning out managers.

(00:36:34) Radical Candor Tips

Actionable tips to keep communication open and teams thriving.

(00:38:02) Conclusion

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When a company’s values don’t match its actions, the impact can be devastating. Kim and Amy speak with investigative journalist Gardiner Harris about his book, No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. Harris uncovers how a company once seen as the gold standard of integrity used its famous “Credo” to build emotional trust while covering up harmful practices—from baby powder linked to cancer to its role in the opioid crisis. The conversation goes beyond one company, raising bigger questions about accountability, transparency, and the systems meant to keep us safe. It’s a candid look at how misplaced trust can cause lasting damage—and what it really takes to create a culture where honesty and responsibility come first.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Gardiner Harris

No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson 

The Weekly | A Secret Opioid Memo That Could Have Slowed an Epidemic | The New York Times

A Devastating New Exposé of Johnson & Johnson Indicts an Entire System | The New Republic

The Johnson & Johnson Cancer Drug Scandal That Encapsulates Corruption In Health Care | STAT News

J&J Is Back On The Legal Warpath After Striking Out In Baby Powder Bankruptcy | Reuters

Antipsychotic Drugs and Nursing Home Residents: What Do the Different Numbers Mean? | Center for Medicare Advocacy

Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty

The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth 

Physician Payments Sunshine Act (also known as the Open Payments program)

Watch Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders | Netflix 

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim and Amy introduce Gardiner Harris, investigative journalist and author.

(00:01:01) No More Tears

Why Gardiner’s book hasn't been widely covered by the media.

(00:07:35) Hidden Dangers of Products

Overview of Johnson & Johnson’s vast range of dangerous products.

(00:15:13) Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes

How antipsychotics were pushed to sedate elderly patients.

(00:16:58) Opioids & Corporate Responsibility

The role Johnson & Johnson played in the opioid epidemic.

(00:24:04) The Power of Branding & Emotional Trust

The exploitation of emotional branding to avoid accountability.

(00:27:28) Incentives, Conflicts, & Complicity

How financial incentives corrupted doctors, researchers, and hospitals

(00:39:12) Breaking Points & Speaking Up

Stories about the individuals affected by Johnson & Johnson.

(00:47:27) The Cult of the Credo

How J&J weaponized its corporate credo to silence whistleblowers.

(00:52:19) How J&J Got Away With It

The ways J&J avoided accountability and hid decades of misconduct.

(00:57:36) Tylenol, Safety, & the Illusion of Trust

The FDA’s inability—or unwillingness—to enforce safety despite evidence.

(01:03:29) Hope, Oversight & Individual Action

How individual action and awareness can drive systemic change.

(01:08:10) Conclusion

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Endless meetings can be exhausting — but what if they could actually be productive and meaningful? Kim and Amy talk with Dr. Steven Rogelberg, author of Glad We Met and The Surprising Science of Meetings, about how to run effective meetings and make every minute count — especially during one-on-one meetings. Steven shares research-backed tips for running better meetings, from framing agendas as questions to setting clear meeting norms that invite everyone’s voice. He explains why one-on-one meetings are the most important conversations managers can have, how they build trust, strengthen relationships, and boost team performance, and why they should never be replaced by an email. If you’re ready to spend less time in unproductive meetings and more time having conversations that count, this episode offers helpful guidance on meeting best practices, better collaboration, and creating space for real connection.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transcript

Steven Rogelberg

We Asked a Meeting Scientist How to Make Meetings Better — Here's What He Said

7 Ways To Improve One-on-One Meetings | Radical Candor

Effective 1:1s - Tips For One-on-One Meetings With Your Team | Radical Candor

3 Tips For How To Run Effective Staff Meetings | Radical Candor

Glad we Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings — Steven Rogelberg, Ph.D.

The Surprising Science of Meetings — Steven Rogelberg, Ph.D.

Meet Like A Boss — The 411 On 1:1s | Radical Candor Podcast S2, Ep. 9

Making Meetings Suck Less: Advice From Dr. Steven Rogelberg  

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Kim and Amy introduce guest Dr. Steven Rogelberg, organizational psychologist and an expert on meetings.

(00:03:51) The Impact of Meetings

The global volume of meetings and the underestimated economic impact.

(00:06:33) Optimizing Meetings

Misconceptions about meetings and advice on improving their effectiveness.

(00:09:39) Framing Agendas as Questions

How to ensure that the meeting agenda questions are valuable.

(00:12:01) Soliciting Feedback in Meetings

Whether feedback should be solicited at the end of meetings.

(00:14:24) Power of Silent Brainstorming

Advice on encouraging team members to speak up in meetings.

(00:17:51) Value of One-on-Ones

Research that highlights the desire for more one-on-one meetings.

(00:20:49) Building Relationships in One-on-Ones

The importance of building relationships in one-on-one meetings.

(00:25:54) One-on-One Best Practices

Tips on starting, structuring, and scheduling one-on-one meetings.

(00:28:21) Trust Through Signals

How the location and questions of a one-on-one send powerful signals.

(00:33:15) Scheduling for Success

Optimizing schedules by spacing out one-on-ones and time blocking.

(00:37:22) The Direct Report’s Role

How direct reports can prepare for meetings with their managers.

(00:41:48) Conclusion

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