The Unbuzzed Podcast

Subconscious. The word we all use…but do we really know what it means?

On this episode of The Unbuzzed Podcast, I sat down with hypnotherapist Janna to decode one of the most powerful and misunderstood buzzwords in the self-help space: the subconscious.

We talked about:

• Why the human mind remains more powerful than any algorithm

• But how our subconscious can cling to outdated patterns that no longer serve us

• The difference between survival mode and thriving (hint: it's not more productivity)

• And what happens when healing stops being your side hustle and starts being your job

Janna’s story, from award-winning photo editor at National Geographic to transformational hypnotherapist, is a masterclass in what it means to pivot with purpose. As someone who's changed jobs (and entire careers), I found it deeply inspiring. And I know so many others out there are in that same in-between: where the passion project is quietly hoping to become the main thing.

🔁 Whether you're trying to quit smoking (like I did, 15 years ago through one hypnosis session), break a pattern, or just understand why your brain won’t get out of its own way… this one’s for you.

Because “just think positive” doesn’t work if your subconscious is still stuck in 1997.

🛋️ Bring your inner critic. We’ve got a mic for them too.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your pods or check us out here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com

✨ Want to work with Janna? Find her at https://go.jannagaylehypnosis.com/hypnotherapy-los-angeles/ —she’s the real deal.

#TheUnbuzzedPodcast #Subconscious #Hypnotherapy #MentalHealth #HealingWork #WorkplaceWellness #PodcastDrop #HRmeetsHealing #LeadershipAndSelf #Neuroplasticity #TraumaInformed

🔗 Unbuzzing Communications, Part Two: M-Dashes, AI, and the Career Curveball

Prompt Engineering as the New Copywriting

There are few things rarer than a second date in podcast land, but when the first one leaves you nodding, laughing, and rethinking how leadership show up in internal comms, a round two becomes inevitable.

Roberto showed up as he always does: sharp, human, and refreshingly unafraid of nuance. We talked about AI not with fear, but with fluency. Where some clutch pearls, Roberto treats it like what it is: a powerful co-pilot. Not a ghostwriter. Not a plagiarist. 

This episode gave me a surprising sense of peace because those of us who care about communication, the kind that builds trust, not just traffic; still have an edge. It’s called discernment. 

The Case of the Conference Deck

One of my favorite rants came when we touched on conferences. You know the drill: when you’re employed at Big Name Inc., your inbox is overflowing with speaker requests. The moment you’re not? Radio silence. 

Here’s a wild idea for conference organizers: maybe start inviting people after they’ve left the mothership. Not to burn it down, but to speak honestly. That’s the kind of talk that leaves your audience with more than a tote bag and some free almonds.

And We Touched on So Many More Topics…

From personal branding to portfolio careers, we explored how the lines between professional identity and personal voice are blurring fast. We also talked about the rise of the gig shift; how layoffs, AI, and the erosion of “job security” are nudging even the most loyal corporate lifers to rethink what work should look like. 

🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com

And if you’re ready to sharpen your message and bring more clarity to your communication, Roberto’s your person:

munozcommunications.com

#TheUnbuzzedPodcast #RobertoMunoz #Communication #Trust #Clarity #Podcast #MentalHealth

Unbuzzing Burnout: What Caitlin Taught Me About Listening to My Body

Some people save your life in dramatic ways. Caitlin saved mine with a handful of needles and the gift of listening.

We met years ago in Prague, after a neck spasm left me doped up on morphine and desperate for help. At 3 a.m., I found her website and sent a frantic email. Caitlin cleared her schedule, took one look at me, and did something no one else had — she taught me to listen to my body.

Since then, that lesson has reshaped everything: from how I shop for groceries to how I recognize real exhaustion versus just being “busy.”

That’s why I asked Caitlin to join me on The Unbuzzed Podcast — to unbuzz one of the most misunderstood words in today’s workplace: burnout.

Because burnout isn’t just a vibe or an excuse. It’s real, measurable, and physical. Caitlin explained how chronic stress literally shrinks parts of the brain, and how certain acupuncture points can help repair that damage. Burnout doesn’t get taken seriously because it doesn’t have a complicated Latin name yet — but ignoring it doesn’t make it less real.

She also introduced me to an idea that made my skin crawl: a resentment journal.

The goal isn’t to wallow — it’s to track where your body says “no” while your mouth says “yes.” It’s about listening harder, noticing sooner, and honoring the places where your energy leaks out.

In short: Caitlin helped me learn the most important language of my life — listening to myself.

This episode is a thank you for that, and an invitation to anyone else who’s ready to start listening, too.

🎧Listen to wherever you get your pods or check us out here: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com

#Burnout #MentalHealthAtWork #ListenToYourBody #WorkplaceWellbeing #UnbuzzedPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #EmployeeWellness #SelfAwareness

🎙️ Episode 21 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: #Language with Drew ‘Dox’ Brown 

🔗 From Sky to Chair: The Language That Binds Us

In this episode, I sat down with the remarkable Dox Brown, and what unfolded was a deep dive into the powerful truth that language is much more than words; it's the bridge that connects us across the vast expanse of human experience. Dox eloquently shared that “language is a tool that we use to widen our lens about how reality works,” and in that moment, I saw language differently; as a unifying force capable of transforming our understanding and forging genuine connections.

What’s truly extraordinary is that this incredible tool is available to all of us for free, yet its significance is often underestimated. We point to a sky, a chair, a person, each time, sharing a universal understanding. This simple act underscores language’s vital role in building bridges among us. Dox’s passionate perspective on this made me appreciate language’s magic; its ability to bring us closer and make the abstract tangible.

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was Dox’s relentless curiosity and dedication to lifelong learning. We explored everything from participatory budgeting in schools to the nuances of AI and Large Language Models. He’s shaping what he calls a “Pedagogy of Presence;" a way to evaluate and engage students in a rapidly evolving educational landscape where traditional metrics are being challenged. Each topic he delves into reminds me: knowledge isn’t finite; it’s an endless voyage, unfolding with each question asked and answer explored.

We also unpacked the concept of “fidelity,” a term I realized I rarely use, yet one that resonated profoundly. Dox’s insights shed new light on fidelity; not just as an ethical principle in AI and writing, but as a guiding value in our lives. It’s about remaining faithful; to our commitments, our truth, and the integrity of our experiences.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or check us out at www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com.

#LanguageMatters #Authenticity #AI #Unity #Curiosity #ContinuousLearning #ParticipatoryEngagement #TheUnbuzzedPodcast #Buzzwords #UnbuzzingTheNoise

What if your mind could be mapped—not by personality tests or vague traits, but by how you respond to something as specific as fries or a car ad? In this episode, we welcome back legendary scientist Howard Moskowitz and first-time guest Tim Morford—a high school grad turned AI innovator, mayor, and builder of tools that can quite literally save lives.

Together, they introduce a mindset-typing AI that doesn’t just categorize people—it understands how they want to be spoken to. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, picking a liquor brand, or designing better care for dementia patients, this tool finds the exact words to say—and what not to.

We explore how this approach is already reducing hospital readmission rates, changing customer experience at Jiffy Lube, and powering wearable tech for first responders. It’s not about vague data or manipulative marketing—it’s about conscious, consent-based communication at the most human level.

We also unpack the ethics: What happens when AI can read your unconscious patterns? What do we protect, and what do we reveal?

And yes—Tim is managing six AI projects, designing holograms for Hollywood, and has a theory on how to cure cancer.

🎧 Tune in for an episode that redefines mindset—from a fluffy buzzword to a powerful, predictive science. Listen to wherever you get your pods or check us out here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com

#Mindset #UnbuzzedPodcast #AIInnovation #EmpathyTech #CustomerExperience #MentalHealthTech #Neuroscience #DataEthics #FirstPrinciples #HumanCenteredAI #CommunicationMatters

This one hit close to home. In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Susan Miraftabi, and we crack open that familiar, messy topic: having a seat at the table. Susan doesn’t just talk theory — she’s lived it, across startups and global giants, sometimes pulled in, sometimes pushed out, but always showing up with her sleeves rolled.

Episode 18 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: #Communications (Comms) with Roberto Munoz 

🔗 Conversations That Land

There’s an art to saying what you mean — and having it actually reach people. In this episode, I get to sit down with Roberto Munoz, a person who doesn’t just understand that art, he lives it. Roberto leads with heart, not noise, and helps organizations speak in a way that feels true on the inside and lands on the outside.

We first met at Fresh & Easy, where I watched him thread honesty and clarity through every message he crafted. Having been on the other side of the table in HR, I know how hard it is to speak to an entire company, especially to people you’ll never meet. It’s not just writing memos — it’s holding the weight of trust in every word. Roberto has this rare ability to make even the toughest messages feel like they belong in the room.

🌊 Clearing the Clutter

In this conversation, Roberto pulls apart the clutter that clouds so much of our daily communication. He shares how the way we speak — the words we choose, the clarity we offer — reflects the very soul of an organization. He also gets real about the shortcuts we’re all tempted to take, and how easy it is to drift into comfort-speak instead of reaching for honesty.

If you’ve ever wondered how to cut through the noise and create real connection with your words, this one’s for you.

🔗 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com

And if you’re ready to sharpen your message and bring more clarity to your communication, Roberto’s your person:

munozcommunications.com

#UnbuzzedPodcast #RobertoMunoz #Communication #Trust #Clarity #Podcast #MentalHealth

In this episode, we delve into the nuanced world of dissent with our thoughtful guest, Hannah. With her experience supporting C-suite executives, she sheds light on the importance of pausing to reassess our approaches, especially in the hustle and bustle of high-pressure environments.

🔍 Why You Should Tune In

I learned a great deal from Hannah during our time working together. I often found myself swinging between moments of desire on my tougher days and a focused drive on my better ones. Hannah’s gentle inquiries had a remarkable way of grounding me in the present, encouraging me to pause and reflect before rushing into action. Her subtle form of dissent, expressed through curiosity, wove into our conversations so seamlessly that I frequently overlooked the significant impact it had on my thought process.

Hannah possesses a remarkable talent for fostering curiosity rather than simply issuing commands. She has a way of inviting you into the moment, encouraging you to reflect on your strategies and decisions with grace. Unlike many Executive Assistants who might merely echo the directives of their leaders, Hannah serves as a true coach and translator, transforming her role into one of genuine partnership.

During our conversation, she shares her personal journey—a courageous stand against the societal expectation that the EA position is merely a stepping stone to loftier roles. Hannah discovered fulfillment and purpose in her current position, choosing to embrace her role instead of succumbing to pressure to advance.

Her insights challenge societal norms and underscore the critical importance of prioritizing happiness in our careers. Hannah’s hands-on experiences in the executive world empower her to lead important conversations, and I have personally learned so much from her thoughtful techniques.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Harnessing dissent as a catalyst for growth and understanding

• The delicate balance between urgency and reflection in decision-making

• The art of expressing dissent through questions and sincere curiosity

• Finding empowerment in the EA role while challenging conventional career pathways

Throughout our rich conversation, Hannah reveals how her journey in the EA space has shaped her unique approach to dissent—a skill that can undoubtedly benefit all leaders and team members alike.

🎙️ Listen to this episode wherever you enjoy your podcasts, or visit us at www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com

We explored Hannah's passion for all things pottery, delving into her creative journey and the joy she finds in this art form —discover her creative journey here: https://www.instagram.com/akora_pottery/

#dissent #theunbuzzedpodcast #corporatejargon #executiveassistant #translator #work #communications #buzzwords

🎙️ Episode 16 of The Unbuzzed Podcast: “Executive” — The Word That Wears Too Many Hats

Featuring Conrad Goldstein, Executive Search Expert, Entrepreneur & Realist-in-Residence

The word “executive” carries weight. Or at least it thinks it does.

Depending on the room you’re in, it can signal prestige, responsibility, or simply a better parking spot. Lately, we’ve heard it tossed around with the enthusiasm of a tennis ball at a Labrador convention—everyone is expected to have “executive presence,” even frontline staff asking for a well-earned promotion.

So in Episode 16 of The Unbuzzed Podcast, we decided to unbuzz this word with someone who actually lives and breathes it—Conrad Goldstein.

💼 Who’s in the Executive Club, Really?

Conrad runs an executive search firm and spends his days finding executives for, well, executive roles. That makes him particularly qualified to answer questions like:

— Where does the word “executive” start and end on an org chart?

— Can you be an executive without the title?

— And what’s the return policy on “executive presence”?

🧠 A Mind for Business, A Heart for Storytelling

Conrad is the rare type who can explain market dynamics, global search structures, and career pivots with the ease of a Taekwondo champion (which he also happens to be—no big deal). He shares how he helps companies paint their org chart like a masterpiece, one brushstroke (and candidate shortlist) at a time.

⚖️ Titles, Trade-offs, and That Thing Called Accountability

We also dig into the disconnect between pay and decision-making at the top. What does it really mean to be held accountable at that level, and what’s the true cost of indecision when you’re getting the biggest paycheck in the room?

And full disclosure: as someone who has held executive roles myself, I left this conversation with more than a few lightbulb moments. Turns out, even when you’ve been in the seat, there’s still a lot to learn about how the seat is viewed, filled, and felt.

Conrad’s reflections are equal parts insightful and entertaining—and if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at yet another request for “executive communication,” you’ll want to hear this one.

▶️ Listen Now

Available wherever you get your pods or right here:

www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com

P.S. Chickens don’t become eagles just because someone in the office gave them a fancy title. Let’s stop naming birds and start defining the flight path.

Bonus shoutout:  If you're an executive (or aspiring to be one) seeking your next challenge, or a company searching for exceptional leadership, Conrad and his team at Gold & Aron (Goldaron Conseil) are your go-to partners. From global executive placements to career clarity, they specialize in connecting outstanding talent with extraordinary opportunities. 

#TheUnbuzzedPodcast #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipUnfiltered #HRHumor #CareerGrowth #BuzzwordBreakdown #OrgDesign #ExecutiveSearch #GoldaronConseil

🚀 The Unbuzzed Podcast: Innovation, Disruption & The Language of Business 🎙️

💡 What do pasta sauce, Uber, and AI-powered HR tools have in common? If you said absolutely nothing, you haven’t met Howard Moskowitz—a pioneering innovator who transformed how companies understand and predict consumer behavior.

👀 How I met Howard…

A few years ago, I was on a red-eye flight from Vancouver to New York, moving for a new job just before the pandemic. Unable to sleep and desperate to get comfortable, I turned to Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Somewhere over the Midwest, I hit the part where Gladwell dives into Howard Moskowitz’s groundbreaking work on consumer behavior—how he helped companies rethink everything from pasta sauce to soda by understanding what people truly want, even when they can’t articulate it themselves.

I was so captivated that I stopped reading, bought in-flight WiFi, and went down a crash course in Moskowitzian disruption. A few huddled searches later, I was convinced I had to talk to him. On impulse, I sent him a LinkedIn message, never expecting a reply. But Howard did respond. We met in New York. And that was it—I had found a kindred spirit who has since helped me keep the disruptor in me alive and the conformist at bay.

So, naturally, I had to have him on The Unbuzzed Podcast to break down a word we both care about (and the world misuses daily): disruption.

🛑 Here’s why you need to listen:

In this episode, Howard and I go deep on how true innovation happens, why corporate risk-aversion is killing creativity, and how business jargon is making everything worse. 

📖 And yes, he literally co-wrote the book on business buzzwords, aptly called Blah Blah Blah.

🚨 Key takeaway: The biggest challenge in driving innovation isn’t a lack of ideas—it’s knowing how to ask the right questions

🎧 Listen to wherever you get your pods or  join the conversation here www.theunbuzzedpodcast.com

#TheUnbuzzedPodcast #Innovation #Disruption #HR #ConsumerBehavior #BusinessLanguage #AI #Entrepreneurship